Creating armv7 MACHINE_ARCH

[Andrew Turner]

> On 8 Jun 2017, at 21:27, Warner Losh <imp at bsdimp.com> wrote:
> 
> While the kernel doesn't really need an armv7 support, there will be a
> better match to other systems if we create a armv7 MACHINE_ARCH. This will
> be in addition to the armv6 MACHINE_ARCH we have today. This will allow us
> to create a package set optimized for armv7 as well as armv6. While it is
> true the RPI 1 is the only system that needs armv6 binaries, it's quite
> popular and the Raspberry Pi folks keep creating new variants with the same
> chip. It would also let us get the package stuff spun up and working before
> we mess with armv6.
> 
> This would also separate the fate of armv6 and armv7 support at a later
> time, but the weak consensus I've heard appears to be that the time isn't
> yet right to discuss retiring armv6 support...
> 
> Warner

I like this. My understanding is adding armv7 would also fix many of the currently broken ports that assume they are being built for armv7 as many Linux distros target ARMv7+.

It should also be noted the GENERIC kernel is likely to only ever target ARMv7+ even without an armv7 TARGET_ARCH.

Andrew