Linux without the GNU toolchain 5107

On Thu, 13 Oct 2005 20:24:53 +0200, Peter T. Breuer

But what else would you need to add to that running system in order to build a clone of itself from source?

This is by way of a thought experiment, so all options are open, even those that would be ghastly to contemplate actually doing.

Well, if I could state the question in *really* precise form then I probably wouldn't need to ask it here. However, let's put it this way. Imagine a Linux kernel plus a minimal base system of shell &c &c. Think what has to be added to this to be able to handle building the same system from source, namely compiler, libraries, binutils stuff. The GNU toolchain is what is used universally, but (a) what functions of the toolchain are truly necessary? (b) what capabilities of the GNU toolchain are superfluous? (c) do there exist any workable subsbreastutes that could replace parts of the GNU toolchain for this purpose?

That's not precise, but suppose that the cooperative principle applies, can you provide me with contributions that would form at least part of an answer?

Thanks for responding, Peter. -- mark south: world citizen, net denizen