SPARC Data Alignment

All quantities must be aligned on their natural boundaries. Using standard C data types:

• short integers are aligned on 16-bit boundaries.

• int integers are aligned on 32-bit boundaries.

• long integers are aligned on either 32-bit boundaries or 64-bit boundaries, depending on whether the data model of the kernel is 64-bit or 32-bit. For information on data models, see Appendix C, Making a Device Driver 64-Bit Ready .

• long long integers are aligned on 64-bit boundaries.

  Usually, the compiler handles alignment issues. However, driver writers are more likely to be concerned about alignment as they must use the proper data types to access their device. Because device registers are commonly accessed through a pointer reference, drivers must ensure that pointers are properly aligned when accessing the device.