[Bug libc/10251] New: Glibc should be back and forward compatible

["dandart at googlemail dot com" <sourceware-bugzilla at sourceware dot org>]

It is a known fact that Windows XP can run applications from Windows 95 or even
earlier. That is 6 years earlier, or greater.

Linux should have a mechanism in which it can run native apps compiled for the
same architecture but with earlier or later Glibc versions, therefore enabling
binary distribution to work indefinitely. Earlier may be a challenge, seeing as
major code blocks that may be required in 2.11 to run programs may not be
present in 2.2, but at least running older programs on a newer libc would not be
impossible.

This will have the effect of either having a medium to large code change, or
stabilising the system. Stability is a good thing and will ensure things won't
break. If someone made a package 5 years ago only in binary form and it doesn't
run or cannot compile today, that is a major blow for compatibility. It may be
that other apps besides glibc are affected, and they should be similarly adapted.

I cannot unfortunately code this well, I would help if I could, but I will
spread this if this bug is accepted.

Assigned Critical as new versions break things. Sorry if it bugs you.

Thanks

-- 
           Summary: Glibc should be back and forward compatible
           Product: glibc
           Version: unspecified
            Status: NEW
          Severity: critical
          Priority: P2
         Component: libc
        AssignedTo: drepper at redhat dot com
        ReportedBy: dandart at googlemail dot com
                CC: glibc-bugs at sources dot redhat dot com


http://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=10251

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