Why output of "getconf LONG_BIT" command returns 32 on a x86_64 architecture system running a 64 bit kernel ?

Solution Unverified - Updated -

Issue

  • When we run /usr/bin/getconf LONG_BIT command, the value returned is 32.

Eg:

# /usr/bin/getconf LONG_BIT
32
  • However, when we run uname -m or uname -a command, the value returned is x86_64. This indicates that the server is 64 bit.

Eg:

# uname -m
x86_64

# uname -a
Linux server1 2.6.9-103.EL #1 Fri Nov 11 14:17:43 EST 2011 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4,5,6
  • x86_64 architecture
  • gcc

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