Re: removal of .la files from Debian and a possible solution to the libtool shared libs problem

[Bob Friesenhahn]

On Wed, 26 Aug 2009, Ralf Wildenhues wrote:
> > Linux does seem to have good dynamic linker support and its a shame
> > libtool effectively drags it down to a lower common denominator of other
> > platforms with worse support.
>
> Actually, historically that was probably done on purpose, to remind
> developers that they wouldn't have the same power available everywhere
> (which can help avoid relying on nonportable features).  (I'm not
> stating my own opinion here.)

It is indeed true that since many packages are primarily developed 
under Linux using shared libraries and since Linux offers up 
dependencies automatically, then many packages will fail to compile on 
operating systems which don't do that.  The problem is really more 
cultural/social/political (i.e. "No need to test on anything but GNU 
Linux") than technical.  Since Linux is already offering up 
dependencies automatically (and also deleting the .la files), the 
problem already exists, and porters commonly need to deal with it.

Given the current situation, it seems correct that Linux should be 
more equal than the others.

Bob
--
Bob Friesenhahn
address@hidden, http://www.simplesystems.org/users/bfriesen/
GraphicsMagick Maintainer,    http://www.GraphicsMagick.org/