Interix, GNU, Configure Scripts, and Portability (246315)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Interix 2.2.1
  • Interix 2.2.2
  • Interix 2.2.3
  • Interix 2.2.4
This article was previously published under Q246315

SUMMARY

Porting GNU software packages can be difficult because path name assumptions are hard coded in the source, and configure scripts are designed to make porting to traditional systems trivial.

It may be useful to set up a test system installed at the root of a drive, where the value of $Interix_ROOT is //C, so that the file hierarchy is very similar to a traditional system. By employing this method, the program can be made to work quickly. Further investigation can determine the path name assumptions.

Further, the ability of configure scripts to work out the characteristics of Interix depends entirely on how "clever" the script is, and the assumptions it makes. Because of this, it is not possible to define a recipe for fixing configure scripts because each is different.

MORE INFORMATION

For a more complete description of this topic, see the "Porting Applications in C" and "Configure Scripts with Interix" Tech Notes at the following Interix Web site:

http://www.interix.com/newinterix/main_technotes.htm

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/3/2003
Keywords:kbinfo KB246315
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