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

[H.J. Lu]

On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 9:17 AM, H. Peter Anvin <hpa@xxxxxxxxx> 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.
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