> Date: Tue, 01 Apr 97 14:45:05 PST
> From: David Seifert <seifert@sequent.com>

> > > Why do you need the `pad[3]' ?
> > 
> > There is no "need" for the padding, strictly speaking.
> > However, they represent a "micro-optimization" for m68k
> > machines. [...]
> 
> I have to wonder if there are cases where padding could hurt.
> E.g. CPU doesn't care about 32-bit boundaries, but the padding
> causes a cache miss.
> 
> Seems like the compiler should handle this, with directives to
> force it one way or another if you want.
> 
> -Dave

Well, consider the fact that when fetching a 32-bit word from
an address where the low 3 bits are 010 forces the memory system
to access TWO 32-bit word locations on many m68k machines...

Gordon