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List:       linux-kernel
Subject:    Re: negative mod use count
From:       Russell King <rmk () arm ! linux ! org ! uk>
Date:       2001-02-28 23:01:53
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On Wed, Feb 28, 2001 at 09:31:46PM +0100, Frank v Waveren wrote:
> On Wed, Feb 28, 2001 at 03:08:11PM -0500, Brian Gerst wrote:
> > > what does negative module use count mean?
> > A bugged module.
> 
> Not at all. A non-zero usage count means the module can't be unloaded.
> Whatever the module does with the usage count apart from that is
> completely it's own choice.

A negative module use count (specifically "-1") depends on whether a
module has a "can_unload" routine.  If it does not have a "can_unload"
routine, then chances are either the module decided "I can never be
removed" or else the module is buggy.

However, if a "can_unload" routine does exist (as in ipv6) then the
module use count is unconditionally set to "-1".

--
Russell King (rmk@arm.linux.org.uk)                The developer of ARM Linux
             http://www.arm.linux.org.uk/personal/aboutme.html

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