Very Computer

--
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+ Brian C. Krispinsky                                        +
+ Developmental Consultant                                   +
+                                                            +
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Quote:> Does Linux have an API for extracting the version number resource string
> from binaries? If not, is there a standard offset where program version
may
> be found in compiled executables?

jue
--
Jrgen Exner

Here is a more friendly translation:

There is no concept of a "resource string" for unix and thus no standard
way to extract one. Also, unix folks don't tend to use the term "API",
although it certainly isn't a bad term in any essential way, it will
label you as a "newbie from M$ land". Whether you want that image is
up to you :)

That all being said, most well behaved unix apps will accept a command
line argument --version (sometimes with one dash) which will display the
version of the app on stdout and then terminate. For example:

$gcc --version
egcs-2.91.66.1

$eiffel -version
-- SmallEiffel The GNU Eiffel Compiler -- Release (- 0.78)      --
-- Copyright (C), 1994-98 - LORIA - UHP - CRIN - INRIA - FRANCE --

--                  http://SmallEiffel.loria.fr/                --

Now if we could only get all these pesky programmers to agree on the
number of dashes...

-- Jeffrey Straszheim          
-- Systems Engineer, Programmer
-- http://www.shadow.net/~stimuli
-- stimuli AT shadow DOT net

Quote:>Does Linux have an API for extracting the version number resource string
>from binaries? If not, is there a standard offset where program version may
>be found in compiled executables?

The sccs revision control system defines a way of embedding static
strings into binary code and provides a tool called what
for extracting the information. It looks for strings that

tools on Linux.

The RCS system (and by incorporation, CVS as well) uses
strings of the form "$Key: ... $" . These can be sought after
using the rcsid command.

With RCS and CVS, one adds keywords to source which are expanded when a file is
retrieved from the repository.  For example:

        $Id: $

expands to something like

    $Id: foo.c,v 1.7 1999/06/09 00:08:28 kaz Exp $

This can be put into a static string literal. Applying the rcsid command to a
binary will extract such strings.

There is standard utility, named ident, which have desired
functionality. Read its man
--
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I don't answer questions by private E-Mail from this address.

Quote:> Does Linux have an API for extracting the version number resource string
> from binaries? If not, is there a standard offset where program version may
> be found in compiled executables?

--Arnt

Quote:> The RCS system (and by incorporation, CVS as well) uses
> strings of the form "$Key: ... $" . These can be sought after
> using the rcsid command.

--

Quote:> There is no concept of a "resource string" for unix and thus no standard
> way to extract one. Also, unix folks don't tend to use the term "API",
> although it certainly isn't a bad term in any essential way, it will
> label you as a "newbie from M$ land". Whether you want that image is
> up to you :)

Before you guys start measuring my neck for the gallows, let me explain...

I develop in Java, where API is a totally acceptable and often-used acronym.
If you don't beleive me, check java.sun.com :-)
--
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Brian C. Krispinsky                                        +
+ Developmental Consultant                                   +
+                                                            +
+ DPI, Inc.                 http://www.dpinnovator.com       +
+ 3201 North 16th St.       http://www.abacusnet.net/sargoth +  
+ Phoenix, AZ 85016 USA     ICQ# 35928113                    +
+ (602)279-4269                                              +
+                                                            +
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