Re: Formatting problem send_mail in version 2.10.0

From: Larry Finger <larry.finger@lwfinger.net>
Date: Oct 12, 2016, 15:27 UTC
Message-ID: <02cfe81b-9f6a-ddbd-3411-2839e8a58b1e@lwfinger.net>
In-Reply-To: <vpq60oy589b.fsf@anie.imag.fr>

On 10/12/2016 02:36 AM, Matthieu Moy wrote:

Show 24 quoted lines

> Larry Finger <Larry.Finger@lwfinger.net> writes:
>
>> On 10/11/2016 11:18 AM, Matthieu Moy wrote:
>>> Larry Finger <Larry.Finger@lwfinger.net> writes:
>>>
>>>> That added information at the end is intended to be passed on to the
>>>> stable group. In this case, the patch needs to be applied to kernel
>>>> versions 4.8 and later.
>>>
>>> OK, but where do people fetch this information from?
>>
>> This format is used in a patch for the kernel. When the patch is
>> merged into mainline, stable@vger.kernel.org gets sent an E-mail with
>> a copy of the original patch. Maintainers of the indicated systems
>> then merge the patch with their stable version.
>
> Sorry, but this does not answer my question. I'll rephrase: when
> people behind stable@vger.kernel.org get the message, how do they know
> which version of the kernel they should apply it to?
>
>> I do not want it in the body of the message. I just want to pass a
>> hint to the stable maintainer(s).
>
> If it's not in the body of the message, then where is it?

That information is supplied in the "Cc: Stable" line at the end. That is the point for the "[4.8+]" notation. That means apply to kernel 4.8 and later. Without this information, the patch author has to monitor the mainline kernel for the application of the main patch, and then send a separate E-mail to Stable indicating the version info. When the info is included, then the process is automatic. I hope you understand now.

Larry