Message-ID: <4B60A54D.5060006@caviumnetworks.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:42:53 -0800
From: David Daney <ddaney@caviumnetworks.com>
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To: Joel Schopp <jschopp@austin.ibm.com>
CC: Stefani Seibold <stefani@seibold.net>,
       linux-kernel <linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org>,
       Andrew Morton <akpm@linux-foundation.org>, apw@canonical.com,
       davej@redhat.com
Subject: Re: [PATCH] checkpatch.pl: remove the 80 charactes punch card limit
References: <1264597747.3607.29.camel@wall-e> <4B6080C5.7020306@austin.ibm.com> <4B608D78.4040606@caviumnetworks.com> <4B60A288.2010909@austin.ibm.com>
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Joel Schopp wrote:
> 
>>>
>>>
>>> While the origins of 80 character lines dates back to punchcards 
>>> there is a reason it has survived the test of time.
>>
>> Has it though?  If that were the undisputed truth, we wouldn't be 
>> having this discussion.
> 
> If you know of a usability study that quantifies the effect of line 
> length on readibility of C code I'm willing to listen, and I'm sure 
> others are too.


Good point.  As with most things related to kernel development, a 
usability study or other market research from a reputable institution is 
a vital first step before taking any action.

We don't have any good peer reviewed research on the subject that I am 
aware of.  I guess even contemplating a change at this early point would 
be rash and dangerous.

I withdraw my previous comments with respect to the 80 Column Question. 
  Instead I would recommend elevating the WARNING to ERROR status.


David Daney
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