Re: [PATCH RFC] gcc-plugins: Handle GCC version mismatch for OOT modules

Josh Poimboeuf
2021-01-26T15:49:38Z

On Tue, Jan 26, 2021 at 04:15:37PM +0100, Peter Zijlstra wrote:
> On Tue, Jan 26, 2021 at 08:51:55AM -0600, Josh Poimboeuf wrote:
> > User space mixes compiler versions all the time. The C ABI is stable.
> >
> > What specifically is the harder issue you're referring to?
>
> I don't think the C ABI captures nearly enough. Imagine trying to mix a
> compiler with and without asm-goto support (ok, we fail to build without
> by now, but just imagine).
>
> No C ABI violated, but having that GCC extention vs not having it
> radically changes the kernel ABI.
>
> I think I'm with Greg here, just don't do it.

Ok, thank you for an actual example. asm goto is a good one.

But it's not a cut-and-dry issue. Otherwise how could modversions
possibly work?

So yes, we should enforce GCC versions, but I still haven't seen a
reason it should be more than just "same compiler and *major* version".

--
Josh