extern char x[] __attribute__((__weak__)); int i = (long)x; results in 'initializer element is not computable at load time'. However, the compiler really can't know this, as x may be either zero (since it's weak) or may be used as C-level place holder for an assembler/linker defined absolute symbol. While emitting a warning here (that should have a control for suppressing) seems appropriate, failing the compilation isn't - that decision should be left to the assembler (in case the target doesn't have an appropriately sized relocation type) or the linker.
-- Summary: potentially valid construct rejected Product: gcc Version: 4.2.1 Status: UNCONFIRMED Severity: normal Priority: P3 Component: c AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: jbeulich at novell dot com GCC build triplet: x86_64-linux-gnu GCC host triplet: x86_64-linux-gnu GCC target triplet: x86_64-linux-gnu http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=33437