the use case of MODULE_SOFTDEP

[Greg KH]

On Sun, Mar 22, 2020 at 05:17:21PM +0100, Tomek The Messenger wrote:
> What is the use case of using:
> MODULE_SOFTDEP("pre: another-external-kernel-module...");
> because I completely don't understand.
> If I have phandle to another-external-kernel-module in dts which is
> mandatory in my kernel driver then should I put this line in my kernel
> driver code?
> If I use function of core.c which is my framework and this is also as
> external module then should I  put this line in my kernel driver code:
>   MODULE_SOFTDEP("pre: testframework-core");
> 
> Who knows please respond as this is black magic for me.

If you do not understand what this does, I would not worry about it as
that implies that you do not need it :)

Just write a simple driver, no need for fancy frameworks or anything
else, first.  Then worry about optimizing it after you get review from
the community.

good luck!

greg k-h