Ubuntu (apparently) dropping supports 32 bit libs, what is the chance of this happening in openSUSE? does anyone have any official information about?
I don’t know if there is an official position.
At present, there are still 32-bit libs. And I use them. But they are not part of a standard install.
If there were an attempt to remove those libs, I would expect a lot of protests. And that’s why I don’t think it will happen any time soon.
Will it ever happen? I suppose so. Eventually, there will be so little software remaining that depends on 32-bit libraries, that there won’t be much point in keeping them. But we have not yet reached that stage.
Don’t think Ubuntu is dropping 32 bit Libs they are are dropping 32 bit distro
Ubuntu** is** dropping 32 bit libs. https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/i386-architecture-will-be-dropped-starting-with-eoan-ubuntu-19-10/11263
Steam is dropping support of Ubuntu as a consequence. https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2019/06/steam-announces-that-its-dropping-support-for-ubuntu
I’d say it will rest with Steam to decide which Linux distro might be best to support their interests for legacy 32-bit game) support, assuming they see Linux support as advantageous. I can’t see Canonical reversing this decision.
It’s the impact on WINE users that might be more significant IMHO.
It is not completely clear what they are dropping. I’ll wait for the release of 19.10 and 20.04, and see what is actually there.
Seems pretty clear…
No 32bit libraries for future Ubuntu releases.
Period.
At least, officially since in the email from a year ago which the announcement references, there is a brief mention that the libraries can be built privately… but Canonical isn’t going to spend any time or money to make sure they work properly.
The current Ubuntu 18.04 LTS will continue to patch its 32bit libraries until EOL (2023).
Which is a bit surprising to me, I haven’t tracked how many hardware platforms Ubuntu supports, but there are a lot of 32bit embedded, mobile and “other” non x86/x64 devices out there which I assume all contribute to making continued overall support for 32bit “worthy.”
Considering how many 32bit embedded, mobile and “other” hardware openSUSE supports, I’d be surprised if common 32bit libs plus the fact that the Open Build Service likely has to support 32bit and is a property of SUSE, I can’t see how TW dropping 32bit makes that much sense… today.
TSU
Ubuntu has withdrawn it’s statement yesterday, after loads of complaints. And it indeed was about stopping 32bit support entirely. Somehow the idea that this is part of marketing came to mind, given the attention they got ( and knew they would get ).