10. Developer Tools

GNU gettext

The GNU gettext package provides a set of tools and documentation for producing multi-lingual messages in programs. In Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.6, gettext has been updated to version 0.17. Note that java and libintl.jar support is discontinued in this updated gettext package.

Subversion

Subversion (SVN) is a concurrent version control system which enables one or more users to collaborate in developing and maintaining a hierarchy of files and directories while keeping a history of all changes. Subversion in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.6 has been updated to version 1.6.11, introducing the new merge tracking and interactive conflict resolution features.

Python Scripting in GDB

This update provides a new version of the GNU Project Debugger (GDB), featuring the new Python API. This API allows GDB to be automated using scripts written in the Python Programming Language.

One notable feature of the Python API is the ability to format GDB output (normally referred to as pretty-printing) using Python scripts. Previously, pretty-printing in GDB was configured using a standard set of print settings. The ability to create custom pretty-printer scripts gives the user control of the way GDB displays information for specific applications. Red Hat Enterprise Linux features a complete suite of pretty-printer scripts for the GNU Standard C++ Library (libstdc++).
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)

The GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) includes, among others, C, C++, and Java GNU compilers and related support libraries. GCC 4.4 is now fully supported in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.6, providing interoperability with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.

GNU C Library (glibc)

The GNU C Library (glibc) packages contain the standard C libraries used by multiple programs on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. These packages contain the standard C and the standard math libraries. Without these two libraries, the Linux system cannot function properly.

glibc is updated in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.6, providing added support for POWER7 and ISA 2.06 CPUs.
OpenJDK

OpenJDK in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.6 is updated to IcedTea version 1.7.5. This update provides the following notable additions:

  • HotSpot stability and performance improvements
  • Xrender pipeline support
  • Fixes for visual anomalies, synchronous timezone support using tzdata
  • Improved graphics file support and overall JAR performance
  • NUMA allocator support