Re: [GSoC/Outreachy QEMU proposal] Extend support for ioctls in QEMU linux-user mode

[Aleksandar Markovic]

14:34 Čet, 23.01.2020. Aleksandar Markovic <address@hidden> је написао/ла:
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> Extend support for ioctls in QEMU linux-user mode
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> PLANNED ACTIVITIES
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> BACKGROUND
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> There is currently 2500+ ioctls defined in Linux kernel. QEMU linux-user currently supports only several hundred. There is a constant need for expanding ioctl support in QEMU. Users use Linux-user mode in variety of setups (for example, building and testing tools and applications under chroot environment), and, on a regular basis, efforts by multiple people are made to fill in missing support. However, these efforts have been usually done on a piece-by-piece basis, i a limited way covering a partucular need. This project will take more proactive stance, and try to improve QEMU before users start complaining.
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> PART I:
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>    a) Add strace support for outputing ioctl IDs (the second argument of ioctl()) as strings rather than numbers - for all platform independant ioctls.
>    b) Add strace support for printing the third argument of ioctl() (be it int, string, structure or array) - limited to selected ioctls that are frequently used.
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> PART II:
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>    a) Amend support for existing groups of ioctls that are not completed 100% (let's say, filesystem ioctls)
>    b) Add support for a selected group of ioctls that are not currently supported (for example, dm ioctls, Bluetooth ioctls, or Radeon DRM ioctls)
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> PART III:
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>   a) Develop unit tests for selected ioctls that are already supported in QEMU.
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> DELIVERABLES
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> The deliverables are in the form of source code for each part, intended to be upstreamed, and time needed for upstreaming (addressing reviews, etc.) process is included int this project.
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> The delivery of results can and should be distributed over larger period of time 2-3 months.
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> Montor: open (I propose Laurent Vivier)
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> Student: open

Hello, Peter, Laurent, Stefan.

I presented in this thread two variants of a potential linux-user-related project for GSoC/Outreachy. The first variant is more focused on a particular area (ioctl support), while the second one covers wider set of current issues within linux-user. The pros and cons of both should be carefully assesed. I will leave to Peter and Laurent the final judgement if we want to go or not with this project and also the final formulation of the project.

Stefan, there was an idea in this thread that this project contributes (apart to QEMU) to another ooen source project (LTP). In my layman view, this is an advantage. But, how does that fit into GSoC/Outreachy rules?

Laurent, all this seems to be dependant on whether you are ready to mentor the project. Are you?

The deadline for submitting GSoC/Outreachy projects (within QEMU) is just around the corner (Feb 1). I leave to Laurent or Peter (should they give "go" to this proposal) to officially submit the project on our wiki page created for that purpose, in the form they deem the best.

Thanks to everyone for expressing the interest in this topic, and especially coming up with additional ideas!

Truly yours,
Aleksandar