stupid_idiot
Group: Members
Posts: 344
Joined: Oct. 2006 |
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Posted: July 16 2007,10:40 |
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Being a non-programmer, it sounds like voodoo to me - the thing about uClibc decreasing size of object files.
Let me explain myself more clearly:
We are not going to gain much in size reduction just from the smaller size of the uClibc main libraries as compared to Glibc.
The real size gains, as you have said, is from the smaller size of all code compiled using uClibc functions - hence the code size reduction is multiplied for each app.
The idea sounds very promising, but you are advocating a complete rework of DSL. Not just the base system; I mean, following what you said - all extensions have to be reworked.
But I don't like the idea. I mean, just think: All the memories from DSL, all gone. I know, all the extensions can be cleanly recompiled with uClibc and reposted. But they wouldn't be what they are, any longer. Besides, I don't think I have the right to take another person's extension and recompile it. It's more serious than this - If you do one, you have to do them all; it's like people can't even say no. I know, I could express this in a better way, but I do mean all this seriously.
I don't want to discourage, hamper, or hinder you in any way. In fact, I have fantasized giving DSL the full uClibc treatment myself, in the past. Perhaps we could do this as a shadow project, a side attraction alongside DSL. Something low-key but relevant to the people with this kind of interest (i.e. crypto-obsession) in small size.
I also propose an experiment just to honour the whole idea:
Try compiling a uClibc Firefox using buildroot - naturally, using the same buildconfig and the same version (1.0.6) as DSL's Firefox - and see how much the size is reduced.
Lastly, there is one last thing that hasn't been tried yet:
Try auditing all the code in DSL for code size.
I believe the binaries themselves are already compiled with '-Os', so there's no room for improvement with the binaries.
But some libraries I think were pulled straight out of Debian packages. Possibly we could get some marginal size gains there. Quite a small potential reduction - but it's there.
Basically, optimize the Glibc platform before moving on.
I know I am spending an unhealthy amount of time over something that is counter-productive to 'getting things done and changing the world', but.. Oh dear. Can't think of anything.. But! Curaga, assuming there's cooperation, we can get alot of libraries done quickly! That is all I want.
I don't mean to be pushy. I mean, if you don't like it at all, then just say, 'No, it's just too crazy!', or something like that.
Moderators, I apologize for inflaming this mania, this obsession, this abstruse, counter-productive, impractical concern with small size. I know that I've thrown away ettiquette and propriety for the sake of the last little bit of pseudo-elegance that does no one much of any good. My only fear is that DSL will be made into an imprint of my megalomania. I don't want that. Curaga, let's tune this baby up!
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