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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?"

4 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. 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.
  4. 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