Will Sun look to use the GPL for offerings it has already open-sourced, such as the OpenSolaris version of its operating system? That was the topic of discussion in this exchange between Jonathan Schwartz, Sun's president and CEO, and Rich Green, the company's senior VP of software at an event to formally open-source Java. "We will take a close look at it," Green said, adding that it was possible that the familiarity and comfort level developers have with the GPL may result in Sun adopting it for OpenSolaris.
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Member since:2005-10-09
I'm quite aware of the reasoning behind the "cruft" in userspace. Both the Sun/UNIX derviced tools, as well as the /usr/sfw repository. Your second paragraph demonstrates what I was speaking of. To be specific, "would be wonderful". Yes, it would. Improving GCC in the process, and making those improvements with (typical for Sun, which is a great thing) good judgement in terms of what to add/modify/etc. I know it's not a priority, and the userland (especially the sfw stuff) shows it.
I'm already a member of a bunch of osol lists, I don't really have time to dedicate to another one, nor is my area of expertise helpful. I'll leave it to you fine folks who are capable of what I am not. 
I was speaking in terms of OSOL becoming GPLd, and in that instance, it would make sense to start playing more ball with the GNU toolchain, and possibly some of the userland apps. Right now, I also understand Sun's position. I *also* am quite aware of backwards compatibility requirements, as well as the extensive testing required. There's a reason all of my servers run Solaris!
It's pretty well known and accepted (check osol-discuss, there are weekly discussions concerning it) that a lot of things in the userland/especially sfw are fairly outdated, and it would be "nice" if they were not. It's just a resource crunch at this point in time, but if OSOL does get GPLd, you'll probably end up with an influx of people willing to help out, and GNU projects being more receptive to patches from a GPL friendly company. Not that I agree with this, but that's how things operate right now.
To sum it up, your points are noted (and understand, and have been understood) - but I still think my thoughts are valid, even if unachievable at this point. Your "would be wonderful" pretty much validates that sentiment. I wish I was in a position/had the capability of making it a reality, but unfortunately all I am capable of doing at this point is providing my viewpoint, which may or may not help anyone!
Cheers,
David
Member since:2005-09-16
Your points about the userland stuff (both legacy and sfw) is appreciated. A number of us are actually looking at this problem and adopting more/most/all of the GNU tool chain is definitely an option. The matter of resources is an issue and the first thing is to get the sfw repository pushed out into the open which is coming soon. At that point, getting things updated and more things integrated will be a lot easier.
My point around GCC is that it's a bit special given it's nature in the tool chain. Of all the pieces in the GNU tool chain, I suspect it will require the most care and feeding over time.
Member since:
2005-09-16
What do you find ridculous? The the version of gcc shipped is 3.4.3? The reason for that is that's the version used to build the OS/Net consolidation and it took quite a bit of work (and some gcc changes) in order to get it all compiled.
Upgrading to a GCC 4 base would be wonderful and it's on the list of things to do but it will require some amount of work and regression testing before the switch is made.
If you're interested in participating, please join the tools-gcc@opensolaris.org mailing list or the
http://www.opensolaris.org/jive/forum.jspa?forumID=8
forum.