8 of the Best Free Linux Compilers
A compiler is software that transforms source code written
in a computer language (the source language) into another computer
language (the target language, often
having a binary form known as object code).
Typically, a programmer writes language statements in a
language such as C or C++ using an editor. The programmer then
runs the appropriate language compiler, which analyzes the language
statements and turns them into machine code that the processor can
execute.
Many coders learn to code using a text editor but in time they
move towards using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) as this
type of software application makes the art of coding quicker and
more efficient. For example, IDEs have semantic knowledge of
the programming language which highlights coding problems while typing.
Compiling is 'on the fly' and debugging is integrated. Our article
titled 9
of the Best Free Linux Integrated Development Environments
selects the best Linux IDEs.
The GNU Compiler Collection (which includes C,
C++, Objective-C, Fortran, and Ada compilers) is one of the most
important tools for the creation of free software, and naturally takes
pride of place in this article. However, Linux has a diverse range of
other compilers available, many of which are released under freely
distributable licenses.
Two compilers which could not be included in this article as
they are closed source are Intel
C++ Compiler PE, and Intel
Fortran Compiler PE. These free to download applications are
both excellent compilers, producing highly optimised object code, offer
rapid development and high performance.
To provide an insight into the quality of software that is
available, we have compiled a list of 8 top free Linux compilers.
Hopefully, there will be something of interest here for anyone who
wants to transform source code into another computer language.
Now, let's explore the 8 compilers at hand. For each title we
have compiled its own portal page, a full description
with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with
links to relevant resources and reviews.
| Compilers |
| GNU
Compiler Collection |
The standard compiler for most Unix-like operating
systems |
| Open64 |
The
Open Research Compiler |
| g95 |
Production Fortran 95 compiler available for multiple
architectures |
| clang |
C
Language Family Frontend for LLVM |
| LLVM |
Low-Level Virtual Machine (LLVM) compiler for C/C++ |
| Free
Pascal |
Advanced
Pascal compiler for Pascal and Object Pascal |
| Glasgow
Haskell Compiler |
An optimizing compiler for Haskell, written in Haskell |
| FreeBASIC |
32-bit
BASIC compiler |
Return to our complete collection of Group
Tests, identifying the finest Linux software.
Last Updated Sunday, August 23 2015 @ 02:41 PM EDT
| 
