In the following code: a++ if (a > 5) { ..... } else { } Is it possible for "a++" to be swapped with the if-block? If so, then can I stop this reordering by making a as atomic_t? In the second case: .... spin_lock(&lock); a++; spin_unlock(&lock); .... Is it possible for instructions to be reordered across a spin_lock primitive? If this is possible, then spinlocks will be pretty useless........ Thanks! Mark -- To unsubscribe from this list: send an email with "unsubscribe kernelnewbies" to ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxx Please read the FAQ at http://kernelnewbies.org/FAQ