> >> Actually, if you use soft-float emulation there's no real need to
> >> stick with  this format. 
> >
> >Except for the fact that the compiler and all the other binary tools know 
> >this.
> 
> I think only `endian()' in gcc needs to know.  Do the other tools care at all? 
> I can't think of any case where the assembler or linker manipulate floating 
> constants - we don't have any relocs relating to them.
> 
> p.
> 
> 

Assembler has .double, though gcc doesn't make use of it (to ensure 
accuracy is preserved).
GDB of course has to understand the various fp formats.

The C libraries probably do some munging as well (particularly for atod 
and dtoa and the like).

I don't think trying to change the ABI like this is a wise idea, 
especially since there would be no performance gain from doing so.

R.