Will there still be seperate versions of haiku were there is still a 32 bit and 64 bit version but there both hybrid or eventually there will be one version of haiku, because I personally like the fact there is something unique about 32 bit version and 64 bit version and the fact there a separation between the two as if they were together it would make the ISO file bigger ig, or will there be something like this 32 bit, 64 bit or 64 bit hybrid
Thank you for taking time to read this as I am posting this at 3:00 AM
32 bit Haiku will be present and maintained for foreseeable future, but new versions of some ported software may be not available anymore because authors of ported software are dropping 32 bit support. So it may be no new versions of LibreOffice and modern browsers for 32 bit Haiku. Even Haiku WebPositive that use ported WebKit engine is at risk.
Haiku itself has no problem with continuing 32 bit support.
It makes sense to at least drop ancient GCC 2 compiler support in Haiku R2 while keeping 32 bit support. If someone still need BeOS binary compatibility, optional package with GCC 2 libraries built from forked Haiku R1 sources can be provided.
GCC 2 support restrict using modern C++ features in many API libraries such as libbe.so.
“…official deprecation of gcc 2 support (which is kept only for compatibility with old applications ).”
This is a “line in the sand” statement on depreciating Haiku development’s maintenance and support of GCC2. This does not mean that a third-party ISV/contributor/developer (for example: HaikuPorts) won’t support and/or maintain GCC2 on their own time for end users.
As one Haiku developer once stated, “No one is willing to patch gcc2 things.”
Yet, someone will scratch the itchiness within their depths of space and time. Maybe, do it for a small fee or just recognition. Just like maintaining a software repository of legacy BeOS software or retaining old 1/2/4/8/16/32-bit computer-related hardware from the years long ago.
One part is saying “32-bit Haiku x86 hybrid” will always exist.
Another part is saying, “GCC2 support will end after Haiku R2 release”.
Both parts are congruent.
A project can retain and maintain GCC2 (and/or BeOS compat) - but not fix any existing and/or new bug reports.
The other question deals with a 64-bit Haiku hybrid. That may deal with a smaller question of BeOS compat on a 64-bit Haiku platform (i.e. executing/running or developing BeOS software on 64-bit Haiku). Also, supporting existing Haiku x86 compiled software on the 64-bit Haiku x86_64 platform.
Proposing these solutions (or others) deals with a few things within specific topics:
BeOS Pro in a VM on Haiku x86_64
Haiku x86 in a VM on Haiku x86_64
Haiku x86/BeOS R5-compat software running directly on Haiku x86_64 by a solution (emulation layer).
Retaining a final snapshot of Haiku R1 x86/x86_gcc2 with 32-bit compat of BeOS R5.
Therefore, 32-bit Haiku-compatible computers, software, and BeOS R5-related software are retainable and/or supportable (i.e. somewhat) within the current time and space continuity.
