Current state of Arch64 developement
From ArchWiki
Current state of Arch64 development:
Arch Linux 64bit is targeted at competent linux users. Most things are done. We are now an official Arch Linux port.
- What rules will the development of Arch64 follow?
We want to port 32bit Arch Linux. We don't want to fork it. Our goal is to bring all packages appearing in the stable 32bit tree core/extra/community(supported)/testing to Arch64. We don't want to overtake them (but this might happen one day...). One exception is allowed: when a version in Arch32 is too old to get it built on Arch64 we will go with a newer one when possible.
- How can you install Arch64?
It's recommended to use official ISOs or latest testing ISOs we sometimes announce to the forum/mailing lists. New releases will be done with mkbootcd/archbootcd scripts.
- Can I run 32bit applications in Arch64?
Visit Arch64 FAQ. We don't have multilib support. And we don't want to have it. Pure 64bit is the future! Missing gaps will soon be filled. Multilib support would mean to have a duplicated /lib directory structure and lots of changes in the core packages (glibc/gcc/binutils...). It would be almost another port or a separate distribution. In point of view of the devs multilib would break the KISS philosophy of Arch Linux. 32bit support can be reached through several ways. It's possible to make mutlilib packages replacing official packages from core/extra or packages that add additional libraries and compatibility. You may look at how other 64bit distributions handle this. Don't expect support for getting 32bit apps running under Arch64 from the devs!
- What packages have already been ported?
Porting Core and Extra has been finished. Community stuff still lacks. Work is in progress. Core and Extra are most time up to date except when the i686 devs push tons of packages from testing to core/extra. If you miss a package let us know. Now that the basic porting is done we'll try to improve everything and keep the stuff in sync with Arch32.
Browse our CVS using CORE-64 tag (will soon be supported) or just the repositories on ftp.archlinux.org/{core/extra}/os/x86_64/. You may also visit this link: Arch64 packagers ToDo list.
- Where to get help for porting packages?
Let's use the freedom of open source! Go searching in other further developed 64bit linux distributions: Frugalware, Gentoo, Debian, Mandriva, Fedora and the *BSDs too. You will find lots of patches there and sometimes special configure options or you will find that you will have to disable SMP and so on...
Also a good place to search is LFS x86_64.
- How can I help the devs?
Let's meet in irc.freenode.net #archlinux64 or post to the mailing list: mailto:arch-ports@archlinux.org.