Introduction
The wolfSSL embedded SSL/TLS library has recently expanded its compatibility by adding support for the Open Watcom C/C++ compiler. This enhancement enables developers to build wolfSSL using Open Watcom across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and OS/2. This blog post explores the new Open Watcom support, its features, and how to leverage it in your projects.
What is Open Watcom?
Open Watcom is an open-source compiler suite derived from the commercial Watcom C/C++ compiler. It’s particularly valued for its:
- Cross-platform capabilities (Windows, OS/2, DOS, Linux)
- Efficient code generation
- Strong support for legacy systems
- Continued development by the open-source community
The compiler is especially important for maintaining and developing software for OS/2 and other legacy systems that still have active user communities.
New Features in wolfSSL for Open Watcom
The recent pull requests #8505 and #8484 have implemented several features to ensure wolfSSL works seamlessly with Open Watcom:
- Multi-Platform Support:
- Windows builds
- Linux builds
- OS/2 builds (particularly significant as OS/2 support is rare in modern libraries)
- Build Configuration Options:
- Single-threaded and multi-threaded builds
- Static library and DLL (Dynamic Link Library) options
- Compatibility with Open Watcom 1.9 and newer versions (2.0+)
- OS/2-Specific Enhancements:
- Socket handling for OS/2 networking
- Thread management for OS/2’s unique threading model
- Proper mutex implementation for OS/2
- Technical Improvements:
- Renamed OFFSETOF macro to WC_OFFSETOF to avoid conflicts with OS/2 headers
- Added proper time handling functions for Open Watcom
- Implemented conditional compilation for platform-specific code
- Fixed socket and I/O handling for cross-platform compatibility
Use Cases and Benefits
The addition of Open Watcom support opens up several possibilities:
- Legacy System Integration: Integrate modern TLS security into legacy systems running OS/2 or older Windows versions.
- Cross-Platform Development: Develop secure applications that can be compiled for multiple platforms using a single compiler.
- Educational Environments: Universities and educational institutions that use Open Watcom for teaching can now incorporate wolfSSL in their security curriculum.
- Embedded Systems: Some embedded systems with specific requirements may benefit from Open Watcom’s efficient code generation.
Summary
The addition of Open Watcom support to wolfSSL shows our versatility by supporting this compiler across Windows, Linux, and especially OS/2 platforms. This feature enables developers working with legacy systems, educational environments, and specific embedded platforms to leverage wolfSSL’s robust security features.
The implementation includes comprehensive support for different threading models and library types, ensuring that developers have flexibility in how they integrate wolfSSL into their projects. Whether you’re maintaining legacy applications, teaching security concepts, or developing cross-platform solutions, the Open Watcom support in wolfSSL provides a valuable tool in your development arsenal.
As the security landscape continues to evolve, this enhancement ensures that even systems using older or specialized compilers can maintain modern security standards through wolfSSL’s TLS implementation.
If you have questions about any of the above, please contact us at facts@wolfSSL.com or call us at +1 425 245 8247.
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