x86_64 port: quarter term report

Blog post by xyzzy on Fri, 2012-06-22 12:27

As I mentioned in my first blog post, I had exams until a couple of weeks ago, so I didn't start working on my project properly until then. However, I am now working full time so I expect to make a lot more progress in the coming weeks.

So far I have made it possible to compile the kernel for x86_64 by adding stub implementations of all the architecture functions and fixing compilation errors/warnings (all architectures that Haiku supports at the moment are 32-bit, so there were various problems in the code when compiling for 64-bit). I have also made changes to the kernel_args structure (the structure which the bootloader passes to the kernel containing information such as the boot volume, loaded modules and the memory map). As I am making the x86 bootloader able to load both a 32-bit and 64-bit kernel, this structure must be compatible between both. The changes I have made make all members the same size regardless of whether compiling for 32-bit or 64-bit.

I have now begun implementing ELF64 loading into the bootloader so that the 64-bit kernel can be loaded. I expect to have the bootloader work completed by the end of next week, after which I will begin work on the kernel.

My GitHub repository can be found at https://github.com/xyzzy51/haiku/tree/x86_64 (I'm working in the x86_64 branch), for anyone who's interested in following my progress. You'll also see my commits on the haiku-commits list.

Comments

Re: x86_64 port: quarter term report

Nice to hear of the progress, I personally consider this the most demanding GSOC project as of yet and I really hope you will be able to finish it.

I also see it as having an impact on the attractiveness of Haiku as most people have 64-bit on their desktops these days and not being able to use their computers full potential in terms of cpu (16 cpu registers, sse2 as standard) and perhaps less importantly RAM (4gb+) might be a turn off, particularly for people who regularly use their machines for computationally intense stuff.

Keep up the good work!

Re: x86_64 port: quarter term report

Very nice. It sounds like there's a lot more to consider when porting an operating system to 64-bit than I thought there was. :-O

Thank you for your contribution!

Re: x86_64 port: quarter term report

Very impressed on the amount of commits - I assume things turn out to be a bit more complicated than expected (as always) but you sure are making progress. I wish you all the best in your project.

Thank's for the energy you put into this.