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Why -flat_namespace is used by default on Mac?

annulen | 28 Dec 2011

Currently, Premake builds shared libraries on Mac with -flat_namespace. What was the reason to do so?

I've discovered this fact due to -flat_namespace breaks Qt plugin loading. I've read man ld and concluded this option is not really helpful because it degrades start-up performance.

Should be there a flag to disable (or enable, if removed by default) -flat_namespace?

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starkos | 28 Dec 2011 19:34

After a quick Google search, I think I agree with you. Folks who do need it can add it back easily enough as a build option. Can you file a patch or bug report for it?

annulen | 29 Dec 2011 14:19

It's here: https://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=71616&atid=531880

annulen | 29 Dec 2011 14:22

Here is an explanation of flat_namespace mess: http://lists.macosforge.org/pipermail/macports-dev/2008-October/006266.html

Anonymous | 29 Dec 2011 15:26

flat_namespace not only provides compatibility for previous Darwin versions yet also provides compatibility to how Unix ld works.

annulen | 29 Dec 2011 16:58

Can it affect well-written code?