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Re: Fixing Bugs (Was: A Suggestion for Release Testing)
Robert Dewar wrote:
> Scott Robert Ladd wrote:
>> And to fix bugs, I'm expected to learn a variation on Lisp and GIMPLE as
>> well. I'm not saying that expectation is wrong, I am saying it is an
>> impediment to working on GCC.
>
> with respect, I disagree, and I think you should invest the effort
> before you hazard an opinion here. Compilers are complex beasts, and
> all involve intermediate languages, and of course these intermediate
> languages must be learned before you can do anything.
Testing and bug reporting are ways people can contribute to GCC if they
haven't the time or knowledge to effect repairs themselves.
GCC isn't special; all areas of specialized knowledge have steep
learning curves, and I'm certain I could find applications that would
mystify GCC's illuminati.
Lowering the learning curve would bring in more GCC developers and get
bugs fixed faster. I know quite a few very bright people who find GCC's
current documentation inadquate and opaque, and the environment less
than inviting.
..Scott