Linux Developers Consider Retiring The x32 ABI
The Linux kernel mailing list has a new patch proposing the retirement of the x32 ABI, reports Phoronix:
The Linux x32 ABI for x86_64 processors allow making use of the full 64-bit register file and wide data path but retaining 32-bit pointers to provide for a smaller memory footprint when not needing 64-bit pointers. Linux x32 came to the party late and didn't enjoy much adoption over the years and is now looking at possible removal from the Linux kernel. The x32 code was a nice concept for helping lower memory footprint requirements while otherwise making use of the x86_64 capabilities, but with its limited adoption and x86_64 simply being the de facto standard these days, Linux kernel developers are looking at phasing out the x32 ABI. The x32 ABI was added in Linux 3.4 back in 2012 plus also required updated compiler support too.
The proposed patch argues "there is practically no real use for x32," noting that some Linux vendors (like Debian) already disable x32 by default to reduce attack surfaces. "Should nothing happen within the next half year, lets remove code bits around August after the summer break."
Discussions about dropping x32 support first started in 2018...
The Linux x32 ABI for x86_64 processors allow making use of the full 64-bit register file and wide data path but retaining 32-bit pointers to provide for a smaller memory footprint when not needing 64-bit pointers. Linux x32 came to the party late and didn't enjoy much adoption over the years and is now looking at possible removal from the Linux kernel. The x32 code was a nice concept for helping lower memory footprint requirements while otherwise making use of the x86_64 capabilities, but with its limited adoption and x86_64 simply being the de facto standard these days, Linux kernel developers are looking at phasing out the x32 ABI. The x32 ABI was added in Linux 3.4 back in 2012 plus also required updated compiler support too.
The proposed patch argues "there is practically no real use for x32," noting that some Linux vendors (like Debian) already disable x32 by default to reduce attack surfaces. "Should nothing happen within the next half year, lets remove code bits around August after the summer break."
Discussions about dropping x32 support first started in 2018...
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