In this patch series, we separated out the MCS lock code which was previously embedded in the mutex.c. This allows for easier reuse of MCS lock in other places like rwsem and qrwlock. We also did some micro optimizations and barrier cleanup. The original code has potential leaks between critical sections, which was not a problem when MCS was embedded within the mutex but needs to be corrected when allowing the MCS lock to be used by itself for other locking purposes. Proper barriers are now embedded with the usage of smp_load_acquire() in mcs_spin_lock() and smp_store_release() in mcs_spin_unlock. See http://marc.info/?l=linux-arch&m=138386254111507 for info on the new smp_load_acquire() and smp_store_release() functions. One thing to note is the use of smp_load_acquire in a spin loop to check for lock acquisition. If there are concerns about a potential barrier being in the spin loop for some architectures, please let us know. This patches were previously part of the rwsem optimization patch series but now we spearate them out. Tim Chen Jason Law (1): MCS Lock: optimizations and extra comments Tim Chen (1): MCS Lock: Restructure the MCS lock defines and locking code into its own file Waiman Long (2): MCS Lock: Move mcs_lock/unlock function into its own file MCS Lock: Barrier corrections include/linux/mcs_spinlock.h | 25 +++++++++ include/linux/mutex.h | 5 +- kernel/locking/Makefile | 6 +- kernel/locking/mcs_spinlock.c | 108 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ kernel/locking/mutex.c | 60 +++-------------------- 5 files changed, 146 insertions(+), 58 deletions(-) create mode 100644 include/linux/mcs_spinlock.h create mode 100644 kernel/locking/mcs_spinlock.c -- 1.7.4.4 -- To unsubscribe, send a message with 'unsubscribe linux-mm' in the body to majordomo@xxxxxxxxx. For more info on Linux MM, see: http://www.linux-mm.org/ . Don't email: <a href=mailto:"dont@xxxxxxxxx";> email@xxxxxxxxx </a>