(j3.2006) C1x standard

[Keith Bierman]

>
>  I would much rather this be the responsibility of the processor, since
> it's much more likely that a processor and operating system will be in sync
> in some distant future galaxy


I won't try to insert myself into the technical discussion proper. But
trying to foresee too far into the future (psychohistory anyone?) is
fraught with peril. That processors and OS's come from the same (or even
cooperating) organization(s) has sometimes been true, sometimes not. C and
Fortran compilers might well have no connection other than whatever is
specified in one (or both) Standards of a particular vintage.

The IBM zSeries (originally S360, and with appropriate dated emulators even
older binaries can still be run) does illustrate how well backward
compatibility can be maintained over long timeframes. But that appears to
be more the exception than the rule.

Keith Bierman
khbkhb at gmail.com
kbiermank AIM
303 997 2749
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