Re: [PATCH] x86: Deprecate a.out support

[Måns Rullgård]

Linus Torvalds <torvalds@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

> On Mon, Mar 11, 2019 at 11:08 AM Måns Rullgård <mans@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>> The latest version I have is 5.1, and that uses ECOFF.
>
> ECOFF _is_ a.out as far as Linux is concerned.
>
> So Linux basically treats ECOFF as "regular a.out with just some
> header extensions".
>
> We don't have any specific support for ECOFF.
>
> I _think_. Again, it's been years and years.

Right, which is why killing a.out entirely would have the unfortunate
effect of also removing the OSF/1 compatibility on Alpha.

If we are to support Alpha as an architecture at all, it makes sense to
support the things people actually use it for.

Now, personally I can live without it.  I just don't like to see
features removed without due consideration.

-- 
Måns Rullgård