Re: RELEASE BLOCKER: Linux doesn't follow x86/x86-64 ABI wrt direction flag

H.J. Lu
2008-03-06T17:35:28Z

On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 9:17 AM, H. Peter Anvin <hpa@zytor.com> wrote:
> H.J. Lu wrote:
> >>
> >> Not a fix, an (optional) workaround for a system bug.
> >
> > So that is the bug in the Linux kernel. Since fixing kernel is much easier
> > than providing a workaround in compilers, I think kernel should be fixed
> > and no need for icc/gcc fix.
> >
>
> The problem is, you're going to have to be able to produce binaries
> compatible with old kernels for a *long* time for come. Are you
> honestly saying you'll tell those people "use gcc 4.2 or earlier"? If
> so, I think most distros will have to freeze gcc for the next several years.
>

Icc has been following psABI for years on Linux and it doesn't stop people
using icc on Linux. On the other hand, it may be a good idea to provide a
workaround in gcc and enables it by default. OSVs can fix thekernel and
disable it by default.

We can even issue a message whenever the workaround is used.

H.J.