Re: [PATCH] a.out kernel loader

[Robert Millan <rmh@aybabtu.com>]

On Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 09:56:38PM +0800, Bean wrote:
> >
> > The multiboot standard supports a.out.  It would be nice if it was
> > also capable of a.out.  So this code can somehow be shared, like ELF
> > support is shared now.
> 
> but it doesn't have the multiboot header, or the header is not
> necessary in multiboot 2 ?

It has a header, but that is the part that cannot be shared, of course.  I
think what Marco means is to split generic a.out stuff like we do for ELF
(we have ELF in kernel because it's used by the module loader, but for
a.out maybe it's better to use a separate module?).

For example we could have:

  - aout.mod: provides generic a.out routines.
  - freebsd-loader.mod: freebsd-specific part (relies on aout routines).
  - multiboot.mod: may be improved to rely on aout.mod when necessary.

> btw, where can i find spec on multiboot 2 ?

See http://grub.enbug.org/MultibootDraft

-- 
Robert Millan

<GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call!
<DRM> What use is a phone call… if you are unable to speak?
(as seen on /.)