Re: [PATCH][GIT PULL][v2.6.32] tracing/x86: Add check to detect GCC messing with mcount prologue

[Andrew Haley <aph at redhat dot com>]

H. Peter Anvin wrote:
> On 11/24/2009 07:46 AM, Andrew Haley wrote:
>>> Yes, a lot.  The difference is that -maccumulate-outgoing-args allocates
>>> space for arguments of the callee with most arguments in the prologue, using
>>> subtraction from sp, then to pass arguments uses movl XXX, 4(%esp) etc.
>>> and the stack pointer doesn't usually change within the function (except for
>>> alloca/VLAs).
>>> With -mno-accumulate-outgoing-args args are pushed using push instructions
>>> and stack pointer is constantly changing.
>> Alright.  So, it is possible in theory for gcc to generate code that
>> only uses -maccumulate-outgoing-args when it needs to realign SP.
>> And, therefore, we could have a nice option for the kernel: one with
>> (mostly) good code density and never generates the bizarre code
>> sequence in the prologue.
> 
> If we're changing gcc anyway, then let's add the option of intercepting
> the function at the point where the machine state is well-defined by
> ABI, which is before the function stack frame is set up.

Hmm.  On the x86 I suppose we could just inject a naked call instruction,
but not all aeches allow us to call anything before we've saved the return
address.  Or are you talking x86 only?

Andrew.