Error while compiling gcc-2.7.2.3

Question

When I try to compile it, I get,

as: unrecognized option '-EL'

Any idea what kind of error is this and how it could be fixed?

Answer 1

The -EL option means little endian target building. It has real sense only for multi-endian generic targets (PowerPC, ARM) and needn't be recognized on strict endian targets as e.g. x86. I think it's so removed from assembler and linker support on them.

For this gcc version you likely should use binutils of the same historic period, otherwise too many subtle inconsistencies could spoil your life. But this also needs many other software becoming ancient. Why don't you simply install some old (1995-1998) OS in a virtual machine? There are many alternatives as RedHat 4.x, FreeBSD 2.x, etc.

Answer 2

It's an unrecognized option to the assembler, probably gas. Checking the docs, I don't see such option listed. Checking the docs for ld tho, -EL is an option to the linker. Prefixing it with -Wl, could help. Try -Wl, -EL.