what's the purpose of alias in /etc/module.conf

sathish167 · 01-24-2012, 04:18 AM

If my understanding is correct, we use modprobe <modulename> to load modules. what purpose does a alias in /etc/module.conf when we can directly load the module using the modulename. I am trying to understand the modules concepts. So please suggest me...

Cedrik · 01-24-2012, 04:29 AM

There are advantage to use common name modules with various hardware

Say for audio sound card for example, my card use snd-ice1712 module
I have aliases in modprobe.conf.d/sound.conf:

Code:

alias snd-card-0 snd-ice1712
alias sound-slot-0 snd-ice1712

This way programs could use common generic name (snd-card-0, sound-slot-0) instead of using names that are different for each sound card chipset

Satyaveer Arya · 01-24-2012, 05:17 AM

Check this page for more information on /etc/modules.conf :

http://linux.about.com/od/commands/l...l5_modules.htm

deep27ak · 01-24-2012, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sathish167

If my understanding is correct, we use modprobe <modulename> to load modules. what purpose does a alias in /etc/module.conf when we can directly load the module using the modulename. I am trying to understand the modules concepts. So please suggest me...

alias is some what a different name entry which a user wants to use.

like I use in my httpd.conf

Code:

Alias /mail /var/www/html/mail

here I just need to type my IP followed by alias name to open my page

I don't think alias is a big hurdle for letting you understand the modules concept.

sathish167 · 01-24-2012, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cedrik

There are advantage to use common name modules with various hardware

Say for audio sound card for example, my card use snd-ice1712 module
I have aliases in modprobe.conf.d/sound.conf:

Code:

alias snd-card-0 snd-ice1712
alias sound-slot-0 snd-ice1712

This way programs could use common generic name (snd-card-0, sound-slot-0) instead of using names that are different for each sound card chipset

thanks.. so this way any program/process would use a generic module name independent of the actual hardware.. thats cool.