Waveforms v3.16.3 does not support High Sierra. Is Digilent complying in Apple's Forced obsolescence?

[Tonguç Endem]

The file "libdabs.dylib" contained in the framework file "dwf.framework" was built for Mac OS X 10.15

Waveforms crashes on start.  Could you please rebuild it so that older MacOS are supported as well.

I have HighSierra on a 2013 Mac Pro.  The reason I'm not upgrading to a newer MacOS is because Apple forcibly upgrades their older computers firmware during an OS upgrade, which then creates hard-to-explain various resident problems (thermal profile changes, drive speed slows down etc).  Even if you downgrade to an older OS, problems remain since the firmware is changed.  This is forced obsolescence.  I have a perfectly working 2013 MacPro and I don't want to do anything to shorten its life.  I would appreciate if you would respect that.  Please understand that there is a perfectly viable reason for not using the latest MacOS on an old but properly working computer.

here is the relevant information presented when Waveforms v3.16.3 crashes:

Process:               WaveForms [11986]
Path:                  /Applications/WaveForms.app/Contents/MacOS/WaveForms
Identifier:            com.digilent.waveforms
Version:               3.16.3 (3.16.3)
Code Type:             X86-64 (Native)
OS Version:            Mac OS X 10.13.6 (17G66)
Model:                 MacPro6,1, BootROM 127.0.0.0.0, 12 processors, 12-Core Intel Xeon E5, 2.5 GHz, 64 GB, SMC 2.20f18
USB Device:            Digilent USB Device

Termination Reason:    DYLD, [0x4] Symbol missing

Application Specific Information:
/Applications/WaveForms.app/Contents/Frameworks/dwf.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/libdabs.dylib

Dyld Error Message:
  Symbol not found: ____chkstk_darwin
  Referenced from: /Applications/WaveForms.app/Contents/Frameworks/dwf.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/libdabs.dylib (which was built for Mac OS X 10.15)
  Expected in: /usr/lib/libSystem.B.dylib

Please pay attention to the part that indicates "was built for Mac OS X 10.15"

Also could you please indicate which versions of operating systems are supported?

Thanks a lot.

Edited August 15, 2021 by Tonguç Endem
fixed typo

[attila]

Hi @Tonguç Endem

The backward compatibility is solved in newer beta versions:
https://forum.digilentinc.com/topic/8908-waveforms-beta-download/

 

[Tonguç Endem]

Dear @attila, thanks a lot for your quick response.  That is great to know and I really appreciate it.  I'm interested in giving the beta a try since I believe I can have the beta and the high sierra friendly official release v3.12.2 co-exist.  However, I usually try not participating in any beta testing.  Are the beta versions any different than non-beta releases in terms of stability, problems and bugs?  In simpler terms, is there any benefit in sticking to the non-beta releases?

Thanks a lot.

Edited August 17, 2021 by Tonguç Endem

[attila]

Hi @Tonguç Endem

The beta versions add new features and fixes. These have minimal testing but I think functionality is rarely broken.
The official releases a rare, undergoes more testing and it should be more reliable.