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The host_subset_size configuration option was added to the scheduler to help eliminate race conditions when two requests for a similar VM would be processed close together, since the scheduler’s algorithm would select the same host in both cases, leading to a race and a likely failure to build for the second request. By randomly choosing from the top N hosts, the likelihood of a race would be reduced, leading to fewer failed builds.

Current changes in the scheduling process now have the scheduler claiming the resources as soon as it selects a host. So in the case above with 2 similar requests close together, the first request will claim successfully, but the second will fail *while still in the scheduler*. Upon failing the claim, the scheduler will simply pick the next host in its weighed list until it finds one that it can claim the resources from. So the host_subset_size configuration option is no longer needed.

However, we have heard that some operators are relying on this option to help spread instances across their hosts, rather than using the RAM weigher. My question is: will removing this randomness from the scheduling process hurt any operators out there? Or can we safely remove that logic?


-- Ed Leafe