Port of GNU Binutils to HelenOS

[Jakub Jermář]

Port essential programs from GNU Binutils to HelenOS.

Details

The GNU Binutils are a collection of binary tools used for software development. Next to the C compiler, they represent an important part of the toolchain used to build HelenOS and its applications. This project is predominantly about porting the linker (ld) and the assembler (as) to HelenOS so that they run as HelenOS native applications and, when used together, can produce executable code.

What Gains and Benefits will this bring?

One of the strategic goals for HelenOS is becoming self-hosting. Having a native linker and assembler is a prerequisite for reaching this goal. Merely the combination of the linker and the assembler itself will be beneficial on its own because it will be possible to translate assembly files into executable binaries. The biggest benefit, though, will be in combination with the prospective C compiler as the three applications will form a complete toolchain for C development in HelenOS.

Difficulty

challenging

Required skills

A successful applicant will have good skills of programming in the C language and the ability to survive in a non-standard non-POSIX application environment. The applicant should also be familiar with the basic concepts behind compilers and the build toolchain.

Documentation

• ​http://www.gnu.org/software/binutils/

Possible mentors

HelenOS Core Team, Jakub Jermar

[Jakub Jermář]

Merged in mainline,1211.