Project Proposal: libc_i18n.a rewrite.
Currently, there is no possible way to build an opensolaris distribution without including the closed-source libc_i18n.a. What this means is that a traditional distribution is entirely out of the question. This is unacceptable for a project which wishes to call itself "Open Source".
I propose that a project be started seeking to re-implement all necessary functions locked up behind that binary.
I've done a rudimentary count of the work required, and from what I can tell there's a small number ( 100 - 200 ) utility functions ( wcwidth() for example) that need a rewrite.
I would prefer if this project be attached to the name of "closed-reimplementation " or something similar, due to the fact that the primary focus at first will be to remove libc_i18n.a, and that must be integrated without delay, but ultimately I'd like for closed bins to disappear completely.