Re: [avr-libc-dev] AVR Elf Processing

[Svein E. Seldal]

Joerg Wunsch wrote:
> A discussion about this had been started by Svein (forgot his last
> name) on the avr-gcc list recently.  The idea was to use a standard
> proposal for extending C towards understanding memory regions as the
> base for the implementation.  My guess (rather: fear) is that while
> this is worthwhile, it'll become a major project to integrate into
> GCC.


Yes. I am working on the extension, but as you fear, this won't be 
integrated into gcc in a short timespan.

The support for the multiple memory spaces requires changes into the 
C-file parser, ie. this will affect the generic/global parts of GCC. The 
first challenge related to this is the technical part; Since this is a 
global change, we/I need to ensure that the change does not affect all 
the other targets in any harmful manner (unless we want the whole GCC 
community on our necks).

The other non-tech challenge is the fact that this change will 
(probably) require cooperation of the major GCC maintainers as I fear 
this will hit GCC rather high up it's structure. I have no idea of how 
this will be received by the GCC team - it all depends on how the actual 
patch will be written.

IMHO I dont think think the integration will be a problem, but by 
experience it can take some time (for code review, softening of the 
gcc-is-not-suitable-for-avr-since-it-has-less-than-1-meg-memory 
developers, and so on), even if I had the code ready today. So I dont 
think end users can expect this feature to come soon, i.e. it _wont_ be 
included in the next gcc 3.5/5.0.

I all cases, I'll try to keep you all posted as progress are made.


Svein