Unsupported advanced software

[snjv]

Hi,
I see that gcc-4.7.2 is listed as the version provided for Mageia 3. I believe, just as in the case of Mageia 2, gcc-4.7.x will be the version that will be provided throughout its life cycle. As newer versions are already available and they provide latest features would it be possible for the Mageia team to provide gcc-4.8 (or whatever would be the latest over time) as rpms?

New but conflicting packages can be installed in a different directory (e.g. /usr/local/extern/gcc-4.8) so that the updates to the systems do not get messed up. Similar approach could be made for other important software too. Those who would like to use the newer versions should be able to refer to the relevant ones by setting appropriate variables (PATH, LD_LIBRARY_PATH, etc) through scripts provided in the same way that Intel compilers provide (tbbvars.sh approach).

I would be delighted if such an arrangement can be made that will save compiling from source by beginners who might need later versions during the next year or so.

TIA,
-S

[doktor5000]

Uhmm, why exactly would beginners need later versions of gcc, which would be unsupported?

[snjv]

For instance, gcc-4.8 has complete implementation of C++11. In Mageia 2 several of the key features of C++11 were not present. So for anyone who would like to use only the language it would be more convenient even if they are not very much acquainted with GNU/Linux environment.

IMHO, it would be useful for other tools as well if rpms are available that install in a separate space. That way the OS upgrades can still go on retaining stability which latest software can be found in a separate space without compromising the system integrity.

[doktor5000]

Will probably not happen due to the huge amount of creating and supporting multiple versions of gcc.
You should consider discussing this topic on mageia-dev mailinglist: https://ml.mageia.org/wwsympa-wrapper.fcgi/info/dev