64-bit 1.2final blocker bugs

[benw]

as you're probably aware, <a href="http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=174647">bug 174647</a> is the "make mozilla 1.2 not suck" bug. the list of dependencies is <a href="http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/showdependencytree.cgi?id=174647">here</a>.

two of the bugs marked as dependants are <a href="http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=163013">163013</a> (Add support for x86-64) and <a href="http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=163018">163018</a> (Fix support for lib64 & x86-64 architectures). these are both marked as severity: enhancement and both seem a ways from being fixed.

now, as good/noble/important a goal as it is, 64-bit support hardly seems like a show-stopper feature to me, and certainly doesn't seem like a stopper to a 1.2 release. as <a href="http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=174647#c64">comment 64 put it</a>, '"Severity: enhancement," need I say more?'

what i guess i'm saying is, anyone got any idea why these two are marked as stoppers for 1.2, when they're both an enhancement and a seemingly quite non-essential one at that? what's the point? they could be removed from the list, and we'd be down 2 bugs for this release, which should get it out the door sooner.

[lar3ry]

what i guess i'm saying is, anyone got any idea why these two are marked as stoppers for 1.2, when they're both an enhancement and a seemingly quite non-essential one at that? what's the point? they could be removed from the list, and we'd be down 2 bugs for this release, which should get it out the door sooner.

Because, despite what some monopolies want you to believe, the entire universe of computer systems isn't just X86 systems running toy operating systems, and Mozilla is a cross-platform browser?

[Gunnar]

I think it's a good idea to port Mozilla to X86-64 (Hammer), but since that line of CPUs won't be available until Q1 03 at the earliest, I don't feel like this bug should be a show stopper for 1.2 (that is, unless someone can get me a test system with an X86-64 CPU )

Gunnar

[Hendikins]

It appears Asa has removed the x86-64 bugs from the dependency list.

[benw]

Because, despite what some monopolies want you to believe, the entire universe of computer systems isn't just X86 systems running toy operating systems, and Mozilla is a cross-platform browser?

agreed. just to set the record straight, i don't think it's pointless/unworthy adding 64-bit support, just that with barely any 64-bit CPUs out there, and pretty much zero in normal-user-space, it's a bit pointless having these bugs as blockers for 1.2. as gunnar so eloquently put it:

I think it's a good idea to port Mozilla to X86-64 (Hammer), but since that line of CPUs won't be available until Q1 03 at the earliest, I don't feel like this bug should be a show stopper for 1.2 (that is, unless someone can get me a test system with an X86-64 CPU )

it's a moot point now anyway i guess, as they've been removed from the dependency list.

[ed_welch]

When Mozilla is compiled using 64-bit code, how will it be managed, supposing the user tries to install it on a 32-bit machine?
Will the Itanium also be supported?

[JLP]

I think the sooner we get the support for x86-64 the better. It's better to be prepared in advance and when the actual x86-64 is out Mozilla already supports it. I for sure am going to buy Athlon 64 the moment it comes out and gets to the stores here.

[jonasj]

I for sure am going to buy Athlon 64 the moment it comes out and gets to the stores here.

<aolmode>Me too!</aolmode>

Can't wait for that mobile clawhammer...

[ajschult]

When Mozilla is compiled using 64-bit code, how will it be managed, supposing the user tries to install it on a 32-bit machine?
Will the Itanium also be supported?

If the code is compiled for a specific architecture, it will not run on a different architecture unless it is compatible with the architecture it was compiled for. x84-64 is backward compatible to x86-32, but it doesn't work the other way around.

It is important to note that the x84-64 bugs would only add support for AMD's x84-64 architecture. Mozilla already runs just fine on multiple 64 bit architectures including DEC/Compaq Alphas, Suns and Itanium (I think). There are currently no major (code-level) 64bit bugs.