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Old 07-17-2017, 03:27 PM   #1
LML
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Zimage differences when a file is recompiled and source code unchanged


Hello,
A step in our software quality process is to verify our deliverable files. We have made changes to the Linux kernel and build it as a zimage file.
If none of our code is recompiled the zimage is always the same. If we delete one of the .o (elf object files as a test) and force it to be recompiled the resulting zimage file is different. Can anyone explain why? The generated .o files are identical.
 
Old 07-17-2017, 05:13 PM   #2
AwesomeMachine
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Hi LML,

Welcome to LQ!

That's the cost of sophisticated, optimizing compilers. The tiniest, most insignificant change will produce a different result. To you the question is logical. The compiler doesn't care. You would probably get a different result from every different compiler too. In a perfect world these things never happen, There is no easy answer.

Last edited by AwesomeMachine; 07-17-2017 at 05:15 PM.
 
Old 07-18-2017, 08:15 AM   #3
rtmistler
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Typically part of the build of a Linux kernel will be the time and date when it was built.

This is one difference between your binary files.
 
Old 07-18-2017, 08:19 AM   #4
rtmistler
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AwesomeMachine View Post
Hi LML,

Welcome to LQ!

That's the cost of sophisticated, optimizing compilers. The tiniest, most insignificant change will produce a different result. To you the question is logical. The compiler doesn't care. You would probably get a different result from every different compiler too. In a perfect world these things never happen, There is no easy answer.
Respectfully, without changing build options or any files, this does not seem a reasonable answer. I would never accept a compiler which randomly gave me different results with no explanation. I do realize you are saying tiny changes, however I feel that the OP has explained that they are not changing the source code. Yes I feel different compilers would yield different results, but do not feel they were saying this either.
 
Old 07-19-2017, 03:54 AM   #5
AwesomeMachine
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Ideally, if the code and compiler remain unchanged, the output remains the same. I have been greatly surprised, however.
 
  


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