Signed overflow optimization hazards in the kernel

Signed overflow optimization hazards in the kernel

This seems like it argues for a macro to hide the ugliness. Name it something obvious such as "before()". It makes the intent obvious and ensures the ugly math is done correctly. Something like:

/* return true if timestamp 'a' is earlier than timestamp 'b' */
#define before(a,b) (ULONG_MAX/2 > ((unsigned long)(a) - (unsigned long)(b)))

Or is this just an invitation to more problems?