32bitfriendly

32bitfriendly is a term used in software development to describe projects, distributions, and practices that maintain compatibility with 32-bit architectures, notably i386. It emphasizes preserving access to older hardware and legacy software by providing 32-bit builds, libraries, and runtime environments alongside 64-bit options. The concept encompasses package repositories, build scripts, and documentation that explicitly support 32-bit targets and test for regressions on 32-bit systems.

Origin and scope: While not a formal standard, 32bitfriendly is used as a guiding principle among maintainers who confront the decline of 32-bit support. Goals include ensuring continued installation of 32-bit software on modern kernels, reducing ABI fragmentation, and offering clear migration paths for users who rely on 32-bit applications.

Practices: Multilib repositories, separate 32-bit packages, and automated tests on 32-bit environments are common. Some projects provide legacy compatibility layers or wrappers to bridge 64-bit-only APIs. Licensing compatibility and source availability are considered to avoid license-related obstacles.

Impact and challenges: The approach helps extend the usable life of older software but faces challenges such as security patching, limited testing resources, and increased build complexity. Community norms stress transparent change logs and compatibility advisories to inform users.

See also: 32-bit, i386, multilib, compatibility layer, legacy software.