[avr-libc-dev] Newlib [was: Re: Release?]

[E. Weddington]

Paul Schlie wrote:

> Although a little off topic, anyone consider the possibility of contributing
> it as the basis of an avr newlib/binutils port/directory of those efforts,
> and consolidating effort avr effort there, as opposed to proceeding in
> parallel? Or are there legal/logistical issues/complexities of doing so?
>
> (as just thought it might help raise the effort's visibility?)
>
>  

I don't know all the history. Marek knows it though.

IIRC, it started originally in newlib. I'm not completely sure of the 
reason why avr-libc was broken off. But there are some advantages to 
having a C lib seperate from newlib, in that we can put in AVR specific 
headers and code, such as the bootloader, etc. I would certainly welcome 
more comments from others in this area.

The avr port of newlib was only recently revived by the RTEMS people as 
they are going to be using it (newlib) for the RTEMS OS.

There might be some advantages into re-integration, such as better 
support for the math libary. On the other hand, avr-libc could be 
extended to better support the needs of OSes such as RTEMS. (I've talked 
to the RTEMS AVR maintainer about this.)

But anything along these lines will have to be done in the future after 
a release.

Eric