Some code includes the __used macro to prevent functions and data from being optimized out. This macro implements __attribute__((__used__)), which operates at the compiler and IR-level, and so still allows a linker to remove objects intended to be kept. Compilers supporting __attribute__((__retain__)) can address this gap by setting the flag SHF_GNU_RETAIN on the section of a function/variable, indicating to the linker the object should be retained. This attribute is available since gcc 11, clang 13, and binutils 2.36. Provide a __retain macro implementing __attribute__((__retain__)), whose first user will be the '__bpf_kfunc' tag. Link: https://lore.kernel.org/bpf/ZlmGoT9KiYLZd91S@krava/T/ Cc: stable@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx # v6.6+ Signed-off-by: Tony Ambardar <Tony.Ambardar@xxxxxxxxx> --- include/linux/compiler_types.h | 23 +++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 23 insertions(+) diff --git a/include/linux/compiler_types.h b/include/linux/compiler_types.h index 93600de3800b..f14c275950b5 100644 --- a/include/linux/compiler_types.h +++ b/include/linux/compiler_types.h @@ -143,6 +143,29 @@ static inline void __chk_io_ptr(const volatile void __iomem *ptr) { } # define __preserve_most #endif +/* + * Annotating a function/variable with __retain tells the compiler to place + * the object in its own section and set the flag SHF_GNU_RETAIN. This flag + * instructs the linker to retain the object during garbage-cleanup or LTO + * phases. + * + * Note that the __used macro is also used to prevent functions or data + * being optimized out, but operates at the compiler/IR-level and may still + * allow unintended removal of objects during linking. + * + * Optional: only supported since gcc >= 11, clang >= 13 + * + * gcc: https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/gcc/Common-Function-Attributes.html#index-retain-function-attribute + * clang: https://clang.llvm.org/docs/AttributeReference.html#retain + */ +#if __has_attribute(__retain__) && \ + (defined(CONFIG_LD_DEAD_CODE_DATA_ELIMINATION) || \ + defined(CONFIG_LTO_CLANG)) +# define __retain __attribute__((__retain__)) +#else +# define __retain +#endif + /* Compiler specific macros. */ #ifdef __clang__ #include <linux/compiler-clang.h> -- 2.34.1