Unable to bootstrap GNAT source build in UBI8

FITFLOP

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01-10-2024

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GNAT Source Build Issues in UBI8: A Troubleshooting Guide

Are you struggling to bootstrap a GNAT source build in your UBI8 environment? You're not alone! This common issue can be frustrating, but with the right understanding and troubleshooting steps, you can get your build running smoothly.

The Problem:

When trying to bootstrap a GNAT source build in UBI8, you might encounter an error message similar to this:

./configure --with-gcc-bindir=/usr/bin --with-gxx-bindir=/usr/bin --enable-shared 
...
checking for compiler... cc
checking whether the C compiler works... no
configure: error: in `/path/to/gnat':
configure: error: C compiler cannot create executables.

This error usually indicates that the build system is unable to find a suitable C compiler or that the compiler is not functioning correctly.

Understanding the Root Cause:

The issue typically stems from the fact that UBI8's default compiler (gcc) might not be configured to compile GNAT itself. GNAT requires specific compiler flags and libraries to be present during its build process.

Troubleshooting and Solutions:

Here's a breakdown of the most common fixes:

1. Install the Correct Development Tools:

   • Install the 'gcc-c++' package: This package provides the necessary C++ compiler that GNAT relies on.

   sudo dnf install gcc-c++
   

2. Enable the 'gcc-c++' compiler: If the compiler is installed but not enabled, you can activate it using the following command:

   sudo alternatives --config gcc
   

   Select the 'gcc-c++' option from the list.

3. Ensure Proper Compiler Environment:

   • Check for missing libraries: Ensure all necessary libraries are present by reviewing the GNAT build instructions.
   • Review the compiler configuration: Make sure your gcc environment is correctly configured for the desired architecture and platform. You can use the gcc -v command to verify its version and configuration.

4. Specify the Compiler Path:

   • If your gcc compiler is installed in a non-standard location, you might need to manually specify its path during the configuration stage:

   ./configure --with-gcc-bindir=/path/to/gcc/bin --with-gxx-bindir=/path/to/gcc/bin --enable-shared
   

5. Clean Build Directory:

   • If you've attempted a previous build that failed, it's essential to clean the build directory before attempting a fresh build. This ensures that no remnants of the failed build interfere with the new configuration.

Additional Tips:

• Use a Virtual Environment: Consider using a virtual environment to isolate your GNAT build process. This helps avoid conflicts with other projects on your system.
• Consult GNAT Documentation: Refer to the official GNAT documentation for detailed build instructions and platform-specific configurations. (https://www.adacore.com/)
• Community Forums: If you encounter specific issues, seek help on relevant community forums or mailing lists dedicated to GNAT and Ada programming.

By carefully following these troubleshooting steps and utilizing the available resources, you should be able to successfully bootstrap your GNAT source build on UBI8 and embark on your Ada programming adventures!