plans for 64bit support

[Ryan Schmidt]

On Dec 12, 2007, at 06:28, Daniel Oberhoff wrote:

>> > a) I could prevent this (i.e. have it build 32bit as before)
>> > b) If I could have two completely independent macports repos on my
>> > disk, one built 32bit and one 64bit. This would be ideal since most
>> > everyday stuff is 32bit, and only some libs and stuiff are needed
>> > for 64. I would go as far as saying this latter option would be the
>> > best solution (less hassle than doing universal builds and better
>> > controllable),
>> >
>> > for the 32/64 bit versions I would really like this supported in
>> > macports properly, and not have to fiddle with build flags... I
>> > would like a repo-constant switch for this. I.e. some repo (I refer
>> > to repo as a local macports install tree, i.e. what is usually
>> > under /opt/local) would be set up as 64bit and always be 64bit from
>> > there on (i.e. update, install and all when on this repo do 64bit
>> > builds). And another would be 32bit. One could do the same for ppc.
>> > I think real universal binaries are only ever needed for
>> > distribution, and then one can always go and lipo things by hand.
>> >
>> > So is this kind of repo-based architecture selection possible. And
>> > the installation of multiple macports repos? If not I would even
>> > help make it possible if someone gets me started :).
>>
>> By default the Apple compilers will produce 32 bit binaries, so if
>> you don't do anything, you'll end up with 32 bit ppc or i386
>> binaries. We currently don't have a switch to enable 64 bit binaries,
>> so no: "just" installing MacPorts a 2nd time isn't getting you
>> anywhere near there.
>> I'd recommend (for now) to hack the portconfigure.tcl [1] file and
>> replace "-arch i386 -arch ppc" with "-arch i386 -arch x86_64", then
>> build the stuff you need with "+universal".
>> For more awesomeness to happen sooner, I'd advice to start hacking
>> port(1) with us... ;)
>
> Hehe :). Well, I would first like to know if and how I can install  
> a second macports tree.

Documented:

http://guide.macports.org/#installing.source.multiple

> As I would prefer that over building inversals. Once I get there I  
> will see how I can force one tree to build 64bit and report on what  
> I come up with. But I might also play with that universal hack...if  
> it is that easy, why can't it be automated?

Are you asking: why haven't we dealt with 4-way universal binaries or  
any kind of 64-bit support before? I don't think anybody's asked for  
it before.