MOD_INC_USE_COUNT,  MOD_DEC_USE_COUNT  - Support reference
       counting of modules

SYNOPSIS

       #include <linux/module.h>

       #define MOD_INC_USE_COUNT
       #define MOD_DEC_USE_COUNT

DESCRIPTION

       These macros support reference counting of modules  during
       their lifetime. Each time MOD_INC_USE_COUNT(9) is invoked,
       the kernel increases the number of counted  references  to
       the  module. The MOD_DEC_USE_COUNT(9) decreases the refer­
       ence count.

       The reference count is used by the kernel to know  when  a
       module  is  no  longer in use by the device or application
       software. A MOD_INC_USE_COUNT(9) is  generally  placed  in
       the open entry for a driver, and a MOD_DEC_USE_COUNT(9) in
       the release for the driver, to count the number  of  times
       the  device  has  been opened, and thus prevent the module
       being unloaded when in use. The device driver  may  incre­
       ment  the  use  count  other times, such as when memory is
       mapped or the  module  must  remain  loaded  for  external
       events.

       If  the  device driver is not compiled as a module (MODULE
       is not defined) then the macro reduces to no behavior.

RETURN VALUE

       These macros take no parameters and return no result.

AVAILABILITY

       Linux 1.0+

SEE ALSO

       /usr/include/linux/module.h

AUTHOR

       Stephen Williams <steve@icarus.com>

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