> I would imagine that it's so fields could be added to the structure in > the future without needing to change all the source code that > references the initial integer. also check out ldd 3rd ed. chapter 5 (atomic variables) reproduced here: <quote> An atomic_t holds an int value on all supported architectures. Because of the way this type works on some processors, however, the full integer range may not be avail- able; thus, you should not count on an atomic_t holding more than 24 bits. </quote> anupam -- In the beginning was the lambda, and the lambda was with Emacs, and Emacs was the lambda. -- To unsubscribe from this list: send an email with "unsubscribe kernelnewbies" to ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxx Please read the FAQ at http://kernelnewbies.org/FAQ
