Messages in this thread | | | Date | Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:33:58 +0100 | From | Alan Cox <> | Subject | Re: [PATCH 00/36] AArch64 Linux kernel port |
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> In the AArch32 kernel port many implementation decisions newer > architectures were made in a way that preserves backwards compatibility > to over 15 years ago (and for *good* reasons, ARMv4 hardware is still in > use). But keeping the same decisions in AArch64 is wrong.
Same argument as x86-32 v x86-64. Same issues about compatibility.
> AArch64 is also in its early days with a lot of developments to come > (and still waiting for hardware). Until we really know the final shape, > the AArch64 code base must allowed to evolve independently from the > AArch32 one.
That is one area where while the merge was needed and a lot of work the original split may well have been sensible for x86-64 as well.
> The initial target is servers (see the companies that have announced > plans around ARMv8) but I agree, we may see it in other devices in the > future. But as the maintainer I have no plans to support a 32-bit SoC on > an AArch64/ARMv8 system (which may or may not support AArch32 at kernel > level). If an AArch64 SoC would share some devices with an AArch32 SoC, > such code will go to drivers/.
What plans to other maintainers and board vendors have ? Any design choice has to cope with these happening if a third party goes and does it.
Alan
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