GCC version to compile kernel

rls · 2004-02-16 19:29:16

If my understanding is correct, using the ABS approach to compile a custom kernel results in the kernel being compiled with the current version of gcc in archlinux. That is 3.3.2. However, the kernel 2.6.2 docs recommend using gcc 2.95.3. Are the kernel docs just being "pure"? Does it matter? If it does, then shouldn't arch have a gcc 2.95.3 in a package repository for those who want to compile their own?

Rick

Xentac · 2004-02-16 19:33:05

The stock 2.6.2 kernel is compiled with 3.3.2

sarah31 · 2004-02-16 21:14:09

well likely they recommend that you use 2.95.3 because that is what they compiled it with. if they use 2.95.3 they really need their asses kicked. 2.95.3 is very depreciated and allows far too much non-standard coding.

arch's kernel is compiled, as Xentac says, with 3.3.2 and compiles without issue. therefore you should not worry about compiling it with 3.3.2 if that is what you want to do.

rls · 2004-02-16 21:28:23

I never argue with success, but it is my understanding one of the "they" is Linus Torvalds. The info did say use gcc 2.95.3 if one wanted "absolute stability". What fun is Linux with "absolute stability"? I will be wild and crazy and use 3.3.2.

contrasutra · 2004-02-16 22:41:29

If you kept up with kernel development, you'd see the 2.6 kernel wouldn't even build on 2.95.x for a while until they added a bunch of patches late in the process.

So no, most of the developers are using GCC 3.3.x.

rls · 2004-02-17 00:03:24

The quote below comes from the README in the linux-2.6.2.tar.bz2 from www.kernel.org.

"COMPILING the kernel:

- Make sure you have gcc 2.95.3 available.
gcc 2.91.66 (egcs-1.1.2), and gcc 2.7.2.3 are known to miscompile
some parts of the kernel, and are *no longer supported*.
Also remember to upgrade your binutils package (for as/ld/nm and company)
if necessary. For more information, refer to ./Documentation/Changes."

The info in ./Documentation/Changes does nothing to change the picture.

I do believe in reading the available documentation so as to maximize learning and not to waste people's time. When the "official" documentation is wrong/(out-of-date), it is a sad state-of-affairs.

sarah31 · 2004-02-17 01:26:58

when does the cvs tag say they last edited that file?

rls · 2004-02-26 19:13:42

First, how does one determine the cvs tag of a file? Once I know how I will be glad to do it.

Second, you are correct. I compiled a custom kernel + modules using gcc 3.3.3. No problemos.

Arch Linux

#1 2004-02-16 19:29:16

GCC version to compile kernel

#2 2004-02-16 19:33:05

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

#3 2004-02-16 21:14:09

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

#4 2004-02-16 21:28:23

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

#5 2004-02-16 22:41:29

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

#6 2004-02-17 00:03:24

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

#7 2004-02-17 01:26:58

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

#8 2004-02-26 19:13:42

Re: GCC version to compile kernel

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