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PPK debuts the tiny programming challenge

Posted by Hemos on from the very-very-small dept.

kernelistic writes "Looks like the great folks at properkernel.com are running a developer challenge. They're looking for smallest executables that match the posted criteria. The rules look fairly straightforward. Anyone up for some fun?"

5 of 67 comments (clear)

  1. howto of sorts... by raulmazda · · Score: 5, Informative

    Looks like they want a binary similar to the one described in A Whirlwind Tutorial on Creating Really Teensy ELF Executables for Linux , except it has to print text and not just return 42.

    If only I had some spare time to play along at home...

  2. Re:Sparse on details by kernelistic · · Score: 2, Informative
    From http://properkernel.com/tiny/ ...

    We're looking for the smallest binary that will accomplish the task at hand without causing any problems or crashes. We'll be testing the binary out on a FreeBSD machine using native FreeBSD, SVR4 and Linux ABI support. Entries using either Linux or FreeBSD syscalls will be accepted.
  3. Re:Is this for i386, or .... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative


    We're looking for the smallest binary that will accomplish the task at hand without causing any problems or crashes. We'll be testing the binary out on a FreeBSD machine using native FreeBSD, SVR4 and Linux ABI support. Entries using either Linux or FreeBSD syscalls will be accepted.

    FreeBSD only runs on i386 and Alpha. FreeBSD's Linux ABI support only emulates i386. I think that narrows things down a little.

  4. I think these guys must be reading Slashdot ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative
    After some of the comments on here:

    • 3. Uses a stack-based approach (ie. No fastcall binaries!).
    has changed to:

    • 3. Uses a stack-based approach (ie. Preferably no fastcall binaries).
    And:

    • ... as long as the output is a valid ELF image.
    has changed to:

    • as long as the output is a valid x86 ELF image.
    Also they added:

    • Hate bloatware? This is your chance to show it!
    for some reason. Probably a slur against Microsoft, knowing what this lot is like.
  5. Re:Eh, why? by jericho4.0 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Because it's a challenge, of course. Why are you reading the developers section?

    --
    "A language that doesn't affect the way you think about programming, is not worth knowing" - Alan Perlis