Zack's Kernel News
Zack's Kernel News
Chronicler Zack Brown reports on the little links that bring us closer within the Linux kernel community.
Minimum Version Numbers for Build Tools
Long ago, when this ancient planet was not yet quite so ancient, the Linux kernel refused to support newer versions of the GNU C compiler (GCC). Compiler development proceeded, and Linux would compile only on a specific older version because Linus Torvalds disagreed with some of the new behaviors going into GCC. In other words, it was war.
Today the situation is much different, and the Linux kernel now identifies the minimum version of the tools it requires, rather than the maximum. And today, as Masahiro Yamada pointed out recently, Linux supports GCC version 5.1 and later.
However, Masahiro noted that version 2.23 of GNU Binutils – the assembler, the linker, and other tools essential for building anything with GCC – was now 10 years old and showing its age. Masahiro wanted to raise Linux's minimum supported version to Binutils 2.25, which was released just around the time of GCC 5.1 (seven years ago). He posted a patch to make that change.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Digital Autonomy
• How the Fediverse Found Parts for Its Platforms
• The Answer Was Already on the Shelf
• Changing the Chip Industry: How Public Investment Has Grown Open Silicon
• United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
• EU Open Source Strategy Plays Key Role in Tech Sovereignty Package
• France Says “Au Revoir” to Microsoft
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
PwnEscape Poses VM Vulnerability
A guest-to-host escape flaw in Linux KVM, named PwnEscape, might be yet another means of attacking Linux.
-
Linux Mint 27 Set for a Christmas Release
The developers behind Linux Mint have announced a Christmas release, and it looks like Santa's sack will be brimming with features.
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.