Is there a way to figure out what is using a Linux kernel module?

Question

If I load a kernel module and list the loaded modules with lsmod, I can get the \"use count\" of the module (number of other modules with a reference to the mod

Answer 1

If you use rmmod WITHOUT the --force option, it will tell you what is using a module. Example:

$ lsmod | grep firewire
firewire_ohci          24695  0 
firewire_core          50151  1 firewire_ohci
crc_itu_t               1717  1 firewire_core

$ sudo modprobe -r firewire-core
FATAL: Module firewire_core is in use.

$ sudo rmmod firewire_core
ERROR: Module firewire_core is in use by firewire_ohci

$ sudo modprobe -r firewire-ohci
$ sudo modprobe -r firewire-core
$ lsmod | grep firewire
$