Date:	Sun, 9 Jan 2000 16:12:34 GMT
From:	Peter Restall <pete AT restall DOT net>
Message-Id:	<200001091612.QAA10741@burdock.restall.net>
To:	djgpp AT delorie DOT com
Subject:	ELF objects
Reply-To:	djgpp AT delorie DOT com

Hello to everyone on the list.  I'm wondering if anyone can help me with a
little problem I'm having.  I've built a Linux to DOS cross-compiler using
DJGPP; I've had it for a while, and it works fine.  At the moment I'm writing
an ELF object-file dynamic linker, and I'd like to load ELFs under DOS that
have been compiled with DJGPP.  Using my modified binutils, I've managed to
convert files written in DJGPP's native COFF format to ELF.  However, the
converted files are executables (or relocatable files if I use the '-c'
compilation option and then convert the produced object files) and I want
them to be shared objects.

Since DOS doesn't natively support shared libraries, the '-static' and
'-shared' options to the compiler have been disabled, meaning I can't
explicitly tell the compiler to generate a specific type of object-file.  
My question is, can I create ELF shared-object files that I can use under
DOS ?  They'll be plugged into my dynamic linker, which will create a full
ELF process image in memory and execute it (hopefully).  I'd also like it
to support Windoze DLLs (it sucks, but I'd like my code to appeal to the widest
audience possible, so it doesn't make sense, whether I like it or not, to
ignore one of the biggest sectors in the PC industry) -- but that's a
completely un-DJGPP related subject (unless I can create DLLs with something
like RSXNTDJ ???).  Any constructive suggestions and information is gratefully
accepted,

	Pete =:-)


--
/*************** [burdock] ****************/
/*   .~.                                  */
/*   /V\    pete AT restall DOT net              */
/*  // \\   http://www.restall.net/petes/ */
/* /(   )\  ICQ 49155531                  */
/*  ^`~'^                                 */
/******************************************/

/******************************* [Windoze 98] ********************************/
/* Windows 98: n.                                        (Alex Satrapa).     */
/*   64 bits (and pieces) of bugs (and fixes) and featuritis tacked on to 32 */
/*   bit extensions and a graphical shell for a 16 bit patch to an 8 bit     */
/*   operating system originally coded for a 4 bit microprocessor, written   */
/*   by a 2 bit company that can't stand 1 bit of competition, and has not a */
/*   bit of respect for their customers.                                     */
/*****************************************************************************/

- Raw text -