[RFC PATCH 0/2] Propose an minimal xen-tools

[Sookyung Ahn <sookyung.ahn@boeing.com>]

I am writing to propose an enhancement to the `xen-tools` for users who require only a minimal subset of its functionality, particularly in safety-critical domains like aerospace.

I believe that the addition of a new build-time option, `ENABLE_MINIMAL_XEN_TOOLS`, will significantly benefit users by allowing them to build only the essential components needed for their specific applications. 
This approach not only streamlines the toolset but also reduces the potential for unnecessary complexity in safety-critical environments.
This proposal is based on `dom0less` environment.

The proposed implementation includes:
- Introducing the `ENABLE_MINIMAL_XEN_TOOLS` configuration flag.
- Modifying the build process to selectively include only the necessary components based on the configuration.

This implementation can be effectively applied to the following use cases. 
- Minimal APIs for `dom0less` operation. This involves taking existing Xen functions and shrinking them to minimal needed parts. For example, we can use static device tree instead of XenStore. 
- By retaining `libxencall` and minimum part of `libxencrtl`, the Hypercall interface can be utilized, enabling support for the Xen ARINC653 Multiple Module Schedules service. 
- Addition of ARINC653 Part1&2 APIs and services (hosted on the domain OS.)

I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have regarding this enhancement. 
Additionally, I would like to emphasize the importance of community input in refining this proposal to ensure it meets the needs of all users.

Sookyung Ahn (2):
  changes for minimal-xen-tools
  add document minimal_xen_tools.pandoc

 config/Tools.mk.in                    |   1 +
 docs/designs/minimal_xen_tools.pandoc | 147 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 tools/Makefile                        |  19 ++++
 tools/Rules.mk                        |   9 +-
 tools/configure.ac                    |  47 +++-----
 tools/flask/Makefile                  |   4 +
 tools/hotplug/Linux/Makefile          |   6 ++
 tools/hotplug/Linux/systemd/Makefile  |   6 ++
 tools/libs/Makefile                   |   9 ++
 tools/libs/ctrl/Makefile.common       |  92 +++++++++-------
 tools/libs/ctrl/xc_private.c          |   6 ++
 tools/libs/ctrl/xc_private.h          |   7 +-
 tools/libs/uselibs.mk                 |  76 +++++++------
 13 files changed, 325 insertions(+), 104 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 docs/designs/minimal_xen_tools.pandoc

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2.34.1