Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

You shouldn't spend your own effort; you should make it clear that you're open to users of such systems contributing.

That's how GCC became so dominant - there were people already using all sorts of Unixen and they wanted a compiler, so they made it work.




> You shouldn't spend your own effort; you should make it clear that you're open to users of such systems contributing.

In practice you can't really draw a line between those two things.

I don't know the end result, but I remember a discussion of how implementing parts of Git in Rust would be a problem because NonStop, a currently supported platform, has no Rust support. Of course the sane response would be "screw NonStop then", but having accepted contributions to make NonStop a supported platform that isn't an easy path to take.


That is absolutely true but exotic platforms are also fun to investigate and you can learn a lot. So I'd say you shouldn't spend your own effort if you don't want to but I am glad fractalfir did and I am looking forward to the his RustWeekNL presentation.


Of course, accepting contributions comes with some effort, too.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: