ARM-software/abi-aa
Abi Aa
The Arm Architecture Binary Interface Specification is a technical standard that defines the rules for procedure calls, object file formats, and exception handling. It serves as a foundational framework for ensuring binary-level compatibility between software components and operating systems across diverse Arm processor implementations.
This specification establishes the technical requirements for how software interacts with hardware at the binary level. By standardizing register-based calling conventions, stack-frame layouts, and data-type alignment rules, it enables consistent behavior for compilers, linkers, and loaders. These rules facilitate the development of interoperable software, including operating system kernels, firmware, and diagnostic tooling.
The documentation provides the necessary technical specifications for cross-platform binary compatibility and system-level software engineering. It covers the mechanisms for dynamic linking, symbol resolution, and the structured formats required for debugging and stack unwinding.
Features
- Architecture Binary Interfaces - Provides the foundational technical standard for procedure calls, object formats, and exception handling across hardware.
- Binary Compatibility Interfaces - Establishes binary compatibility interfaces for software interaction across hardware and operating systems.
- Calling Conventions - Defines the register-based calling convention for passing arguments and return values between software components.
- Stack Frame Layouts - Standardizes the structure of stack frames to enable reliable debugging and exception handling.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility - Ensures software components can interoperate seamlessly across different operating systems and hardware implementations.
- Kernel Development - Establishes technical specifications for exception handling and register usage required for kernel development.
- Embedded Operating Systems - Defines low-level rules for procedure calls and memory layout essential for embedded firmware development.
- Runtime Symbol Resolution - Specifies mechanisms for loading and resolving external symbols across modules during program execution.
- Architecture Standards - Defines technical requirements for procedure calls and system behavior to ensure consistency across hardware.
- Binary Format Specifications - Specifies the binary structure of compiled code to allow interoperability between different compilers.
- Embedded Development Standards - Provides a foundational specification for building consistent and portable software binaries across diverse processor implementations.
- Unwind Tables - Provides structured formats for restoring processor state during stack unwinding across modules.
- Structure Padding - Defines memory layout and padding requirements for data structures to ensure consistent hardware access.
- Module Interoperability Standards - Ensures binary-level compatibility and consistent execution behavior between software components.
