Question Regarding "EXTRAVERSION" Specification

Hello,

***** Please note I am not on the Linux Kernel Mailing List. Please be so kind as to BCC copy me in on any reply to this inquiry. Thanks in
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I have had a recent experience in using the "EXTRAVERSION" in the Linux 2.2.x Kernel series. The context of my question applies to both the 2.2.x and 2.4.x Linux Kernels.

The questions are:

1) Is there a specification that states the maximum length that the
"EXTRAVERSION" string may be?
2) Does the Kernel make/build process enforce any specified limit of
(1) above?
3) If (1) exists, where might it be documented? I have tried to
find out, but with no success thus far.
4) Is anyone aware that there may be some differences in what is
supported by or works with the Kernel and the programs that support the Linux Kernel?

Regards,

John L. Males
Willowdale, Ontario
Canada
06 June 2002 03:09

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The total length $(VERSION).$(PATCHLEVEL).$(SUBLEVEL)$(EXTRAVERSION) must not exceed 64 characters. Break that limit and you get garbage in uname -r.

kbuild 2.5 enforces the limit, the existing kernel build code does not. I sent a patch to Linus four times back in the 2.4.15 days, he completely ignored it. Linus does not care about kernel build problems.

I will dig out the patch and send it to Marcelo.

Please CC me a copy and I'll merge it into -ac in case Marcelo loses it or doesnt want it before 2.4.19 final