Add linux-ppc64le Architecture Support in Build Configuration

[lex-ibm]

Summary

This pull request introduces support for building VSCodium on the linux-ppc64le platform.

Changes

A new build target for the linux-ppc64le platform has been added to gulpfile.reh.js:

{ platform: 'linux', arch: 'ppc64le' },

Motivation

The linux-ppc64le (PowerPC 64-bit Little Endian) platform is commonly used in high-performance computing environments and by the scientific community. There have been numerous requests for Microsoft's VSCode to support this platform, but progress has been slow. By adding support for linux-ppc64le in VSCodium, we are satisfying a previously unfulfilled need within the community. This not only serves those who have been requesting this feature but also makes VSCodium more accessible to those using this architecture in scientific and research contexts.

Testing

Before merging this pull request, it's important to test the build process on a linux-ppc64le system to ensure the functionality works as expected. Any volunteers or guidance on accomplishing this would be greatly appreciated.

[daiyam]

The workflows would need to be updated to support the new platform. At least, adding a new OS at

vscodium/.github/workflows/stable-linux.yml

Lines 124 to 131 in 272f67d

	matrix:
	include:
	- vscode_arch: x64
	npm_arch: x64
	image: vscodium/vscodium-linux-build-agent:bionic-x64
	- vscode_arch: arm64
	npm_arch: arm64
	image: vscodium/vscodium-linux-build-agent:buster-arm64

A GitHub Action Runner supporting that architecture will be required.

Then, more testing will need to be done.

[lex-ibm]

What would be the requirements for the Runner? I pocked around and found this link.
Accelerate your open source development with access to IBM Power resources

[daiyam]

I've found this: https://github.com/orgs/community/discussions/24921
So it's unlikely to have a runner on ppc64le.
But maybe with QEMU: https://github.com/uraimo/run-on-arch-action

Which desktop is running ppc64le?

[lex-ibm]

I've modified the actions to include some tasks to build for ppc64le, but it still fails to build for desktop due to electron not being available for ppc64le.
I'll get that fixed up before marking the PR ready.

Which desktop is running ppc64le?

I'm currently using the native macOS client to connect to a remote el8.ppc64le (using jeanp413/open-remote-ssh#93), and this seems to be working just fine.

[daiyam]

I'm currently using the native macOS client to connect to a remote el8.ppc64le (using jeanp413/open-remote-ssh#93), and this seems to be working just fine.

Should you focus only the reh binary? Not sure how to avoid the electron dependency
Maybe with in the vscode dir:

export ELECTRON_SKIP_BINARY_DOWNLOAD=1
export PLAYWRIGHT_SKIP_BROWSER_DOWNLOAD=1
yarn // to install the dependencies

yarn gulp compile-build
yarn gulp minify-vscode-reh
yarn gulp vscode-reh-ppc64le-linux-min-ci

[lex-ibm]

I've pushed the changes I believe are necessary for building vscodium-reh. I'll be changing the PR to ready for review.

[daiyam]

vscodium-reh-linux-ppc64le-1.78.2.23132.tar.gz is available. Can you test it?

[lex-ibm]

IT WORKS!!!!! 🚀

[lex-ibm]

Me and a few others will be using this for a few days to test how stable it is, but I'm optimistic that this is going to make a lot of people happy.
Thanks for the support and guidance provided, it was awesome to be able to coordinate with you to get this out to the public.

[daiyam]

Since you made the PR, I was happy to help. 😉