This blog post details how to create a statically linked Go executable that utilizes C code, overcoming the challenges typically associated with CGO and external dependencies. The author leverages Zig as a build system and cross-compiler, using its ability to compile C code and link it directly into a Go-compatible archive. This approach eliminates the need for a system C toolchain on the target machine during deployment, producing a truly self-contained binary. The post provides a practical example, guiding the reader through the necessary Zig build script configuration and explaining the underlying principles. This allows for simplified deployment, particularly useful for environments like scratch Docker containers, and offers a more robust and reproducible build process.
The blog post details the author's experience porting Rust to the RockPro64 (RP2350) single-board computer. They successfully brought up a minimal Rust environment, including core libraries, allowing basic "Hello, world!" functionality and interaction with GPIO pins. The process involved building a custom cross-compilation toolchain based on a pre-built Debian image, navigating architectural differences like the lack of an MMU, and implementing necessary drivers. While challenging, this achievement lays the groundwork for more complex Rust development on the RP2350, potentially opening doors for embedded systems applications.
HN commenters generally express enthusiasm for Rust's increasing viability on embedded platforms, particularly the RP2040. Several users discuss the benefits of Rust's memory safety and performance in this context, comparing it favorably to C/C++. Some point out the challenges of working with Rust on resource-constrained devices, like managing memory allocation and dealing with abstractions that can add overhead. A few commenters also mention specific crates like rp-pico and embassy, highlighting their usefulness for embedded Rust development on the RP2040. There's also discussion around build times, tooling, and the learning curve associated with Rust, with some suggesting that the ecosystem is still maturing but rapidly improving. Finally, some users share their own experiences and projects using Rust on embedded systems.
Summary of Comments ( 2 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43505646
Hacker News users discuss the clever use of Zig as a build tool to statically link C dependencies for Go programs, effectively bypassing the complexities of
cgoand resulting in self-contained binaries. Several commenters praise the approach for its elegance and practicality, particularly for cross-compilation scenarios. Some express concern about the potential fragility of relying on undocumented Go internals, while others highlight the ongoing efforts within the Go community to address static linking natively. A few users suggest alternative solutions like using Docker for consistent build environments or exploring fully statically-linked C libraries. The overall sentiment is positive, with many appreciating the ingenuity and potential of this Zig-based workaround.The Hacker News post discussing the blog post "Building Statically Linked Go Executables with CGO and Zig" has generated a moderate number of comments, focusing primarily on the complexities and nuances of linking C code with Go, especially when static linking is desired.
Several commenters point out that the core issue stems from Go's reliance on
libceven when using CGO, making fully static linking challenging. One commenter highlights the historical context, explaining how Go's initial design prioritized cross-compilation and dynamic linking, leading to this current situation. They also suggest that the current approach of relying on system libraries and then attempting to statically link them later is somewhat backwards and inherently problematic.Another commenter discusses the difficulties of statically linking
libcitself, emphasizing the various assumptions and dependencies thatlibchas on the target system. They suggest that truly static linking requires a "freestanding" environment, devoid of any operating system dependencies, which is difficult to achieve in practice, especially with Go's current architecture.The complexity of the proposed Zig/CGO approach is also a topic of discussion. One commenter expresses skepticism about its practicality, noting that it introduces another layer of tooling and build complexity. They also question the long-term maintainability of such a solution. Another user agrees, suggesting that the proposed workaround might be more trouble than it's worth, particularly for simpler projects.
The conversation also touches upon alternative solutions, such as using a completely different language for parts requiring C libraries or exploring other approaches for interacting with C code from Go. A commenter suggests that sometimes the best solution is to re-evaluate the need for the C library in the first place and explore if a pure Go alternative exists.
The comments don't offer a definitive solution to the static linking challenges with CGO but rather highlight the inherent complexities involved and spark a discussion about various workarounds and their trade-offs. The general sentiment seems to be that while the Zig approach presented in the blog post is interesting, it's not a silver bullet and might not be the most practical solution in many cases. There's a clear desire for a more streamlined and robust solution for static linking within the Go ecosystem, but the comments acknowledge the significant challenges involved in achieving this.