CHRP is a standard PowerPC specification developed by IBM and Apple that enables a wide range of operating systems to run. It has replaced PReP.
What is CHRP?
CHRP stands for Common Hardware Reference Platform, which is a standard PowerPC specification that was developed by IBM and Apple. CHRP allowed the PowerPC machines to run a wide range of operating systems, including AIX, Linux, and OS/2.
CHRP was a crucial development in the PowerPC platform because it set common hardware standards that could be shared by various operating systems. This eliminated the fragmentation that made it difficult for software developers to build applications for PowerPC-based systems.
Why was CHRP Important?
Before CHRP, software developers had to create separate versions of their software for different PowerPC platforms. For example, they would have to create a version for Apple’s Power Macintosh, another for IBM’s RS/6000, and another for Motorola’s PowerPC-based computers.
This made it difficult for software developers to create applications for the PowerPC platform because they had to deal with different hardware configurations and architectures. The result was a fragmented operating system market, which limited the adoption of the PowerPC platform.
CHRP changed all of that, however, by creating a standard hardware platform that could be shared by various operating systems. This made it much easier for software developers to build applications that could run on any CHRP-compliant PowerPC machine.
What Replaced PReP?
PReP, or the PowerPC Reference Platform, was the first attempt at creating a standard PowerPC specification. However, it was quickly replaced by CHRP because it lacked the flexibility and scalability that was needed to support a wide range of operating systems.
CHRP was designed to address many of the shortcomings of PReP, such as the lack of support for PCI and other industry-standard hardware interfaces. CHRP also provided more flexibility and scalability, which enabled it to support a wider range of operating systems and applications.
Since its introduction, CHRP has become the de facto standard for PowerPC-based systems, and it has played a significant role in enabling the widespread use of the PowerPC platform. It continues to be used today, particularly in embedded systems and high-performance computing applications.
In Bottom line
CHRP has been a key development in the PowerPC platform, and it has played a significant role in enabling the widespread adoption of the PowerPC architecture. By providing a standard hardware platform that could be shared by multiple operating systems, CHRP eliminated the fragmentation that had plagued the PowerPC market for years.
Today, CHRP is still widely used in many applications, including embedded systems, high-performance computing, and networking equipment. Its flexibility and scalability continue to make it an attractive platform for developers who need to build applications that can run on a wide range of hardware configurations.
