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(libtool14.info.gz) Motivation

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 1.1 Motivation for writing libtool
 ==================================
 
 Since early 1995, several different GNU developers have recognized the
 importance of having shared library support for their packages.  The
 primary motivation for such a change is to encourage modularity and
 reuse of code (both conceptually and physically) in GNU programs.
 
    Such a demand means that the way libraries are built in GNU packages
 needs to be general, to allow for any library type the package installer
 might want.  The problem is compounded by the absence of a standard
 procedure for creating shared libraries on different platforms.
 
    The following sections outline the major issues facing shared library
 support in GNU, and how shared library support could be standardized
 with libtool.
 
    The following specifications were used in developing and evaluating
 this system:
 
   1. The system must be as elegant as possible.
 
   2. The system must be fully integrated with the GNU Autoconf and
      Automake utilities, so that it will be easy for GNU maintainers to
      use.  However, the system must not require these tools, so that it
      can be used by non-GNU packages.
 
   3. Portability to other (non-GNU) architectures and tools is
      desirable.
 
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