Re: 5.2.0: test suite is failing in regex3minus unit

[arnold]

Hi.

Tomasz K??oczko <kloczko.tomasz@gmail.com> wrote:

> > So, this is weird.  The only way I could see this happening is if
> > gawk linked against the regex routines in libc instead of against
> > the code that comes in the distribution.  Does 'nm gawk' give any
> > helpful clues?
> >
>
> That is true. I have patch which removes use bundled regex.

Well, that explains it, then.  Don't do that, and gawk will work.

> Now the question only is: why does gawk need its own version of the regex()?
> Up to now that was working perfectly fine.
> Something is wrong with glibc regex()?????

There are two reasons:

1. Portability: Gawk has to work on systems that don't have glibc.

2. Consistency: By supplying my own regex routines I know that gawk
will behave the same everywhere.

In addition, it allows me to make improvements (that eventually get
folded into libc) without having to wait for them to propogate.

> BTW: what about organizing a public bug tracking system where such
> conversations would be fully visible and recorded for other people as well?

I don't see a need. The bug-gawk mailing list archives are publicly
readable. Anyone who's interested can track things there. My time is
very limited, and setting up and using a bug tracker isn't a good
use of it.

Thanks,

Arnold