Update on 64-bit ELF for Alpha systems

Andy Riebs (riebs@amt.tay1.dec.com)
Thu, 25 Jan 1996 15:30:04 -0500 (EST)

Digital is actively working with other UNIX vendors to define 64-bit
extensions to the ELF format for Digital UNIX. Based on their initial
experience with ECOFF, the DU folks believe that a naive expansion of
the fields to 64 bits wastes too much space.

I'm not privy to these negotiations, and I'm not aware of any specific
commitments to complete them. However, if we want Alpha Linux to be
compatible with a possible future implementation of DU ELF, the best we
can do for the moment is to wait.

Once any multi-vendor, generic agreements are reached, additional work
will be required to define the Alpha specifics. Members of the Alpha
Linux community will be invited to review and comment on the Alpha
specifics.

So what does this mean for shared libraries on Alpha Linux? Well, as
always, anyone is welcome to implement anything they want for Linux
(including, perhaps, compatibility with the current DU ECOFF
implementation). However, I continue to believe that the best
long-term strategy for Alpha Linux is to hold out for the 64bit ELF
spec, and proceed when it becomes available.

Disclaimer: I speak not as a spokesperson for Digital, nor for the
Alpha Linux community. Please don't mistake me for either of those!

/andy

--
WARNING: Chips competing with ALPHA are much farther away than they appear!
  Andy Riebs, Alpha Migration Tools Group | (508) 952-4044 (dtn) 227-4044
  Digital Semiconductor                   | (work) riebs@amt.tay1.dec.com
  Digital Equipment Corporation           | (home) andy@freckles.mv.com