Package: libc6 Version: 2.7-15 Severity: normal
makecontext() on AMD64 cannot pass pointer arguments to the invoked function; they get squashed to 32bit values, ignoring the top bits. I'm aware that the POSIX spec doesn't require the ability to pass pointers, though it isn't all that clear on the subject. I've had a variety of C programmers read the makecontext(3) manpage, and most of them didn't spot the fact it can't do pointers until I specifically mentioned this fact. The current documentation is insufficiently clear on the subject. I'd like to propose either: a) Extending makecontext() on AMD64 so it can pass pointers, and add a section to the manpage to explain that you cannot portably do this, but GNU libc happens to allow it, or b) Explain in the manpage that GNU libc cannot pass pointers. Naturally I'd prefer option a because that is more useful; without the ability to pass a pointer, it becomes much harder to actually use the function to perform useful work in real programs, aside from the tiny trivial examples usually given. -- System Information: Debian Release: lenny/sid APT prefers testing APT policy: (990, 'testing'), (500, 'unstable') Architecture: amd64 (x86_64) Kernel: Linux 2.6.26-1-amd64 (SMP w/4 CPU cores) Locale: LANG=en_GB.UTF-8, LC_CTYPE=en_GB.UTF-8 (charmap=UTF-8) Shell: /bin/sh linked to /bin/bash Versions of packages libc6 depends on: ii libgcc1 1:4.3.2-1 GCC support library libc6 recommends no packages. Versions of packages libc6 suggests: pn glibc-doc <none> (no description available) ii locales 2.7-15 GNU C Library: National Language ( -- debconf information: glibc/upgrade: true glibc/restart-failed: glibc/restart-services: -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]