(j3.2006) C1x standard

[Van Snyder]

On Thu, 2011-12-22 at 08:45 -0800, Keith Bierman wrote:
>          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.

Even so, there's one organization responsible for the Fortran compiler,
and far more users of it.  It would be a kindness to the dozens
(thousands?) of users of a compiler if it were to solve this problem,
instead of foisting it onto all the users.

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