Getting Around to It: Deferred Work in the Linux Kernel

Explore the intricacies of deferred work mechanisms in the Linux kernel through this informative 44-minute conference talk. Delve into the various methods for scheduling delayed tasks, including workqueues, kworkers, and softirqs. Learn how to detect and minimize misbehavior of related kernel threads, and understand the recent improvements in kworker performance and monitoring tools. Examine the challenges posed by softirqs, particularly in RT Linux, and their impact on system performance. Discover signs of system distress, such as deadline misses, RCU stalls, and watchdog timeouts. Gain insights into ongoing efforts to address ksoftirqd issues in RT Linux and their potential integration into the mainline kernel. Acquire practical knowledge on employing tools to monitor softirqs and workqueues, along with tips for enhancing overall system performance.