For i386-linux smartlinking using sections is now enabled by default and that -CX and -XX will do nothing.

Please report all issues on this mailing list.

If it doesn't work, disabling it locally can be done by reverting the following patch.

~/fpc/compiler>>> svn diff -r 1165:1166 systems
Index: systems/i_linux.pas
===================================================================
--- systems/i_linux.pas (revision 1165)
+++ systems/i_linux.pas (revision 1166)
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
             system       : system_i386_LINUX;
             name         : 'Linux for i386';
             shortname    : 'Linux';
-            flags        :
[tf_needs_symbol_size,tf_pic_uses_got{,tf_smartlink_sections}];
+            flags        :
[tf_needs_symbol_size,tf_pic_uses_got,tf_smartlink_sections];
             cpu          : cpu_i386;
             unit_env     : 'LINUXUNITS';
             extradefines : 'UNIX;HASUNIX';

Maybe silly question: why doesn't -XX add or remove that smartlink flag ?

Micha

Because

1) the dividing into sections is done during compiletime, not link time.
2) the compiler has to know what kind of smartlinking .o's in .a's or sections in .o's is done.

The smartlink flag in the PPU only gives the compiler info which files can be used for linking. without this change that is a .o or a .a file. Since the .a file is not needed anymore there is only the .o left.

Using -XX to remove the ld option (--gc-sections) will have different effects on the platforms.

A possible solution is to revert to the old single section .o file method when the option -XS is passed.