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compilers: Definition and Recommended Links

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A compiler is a computer program (or set of programs) that translates text written in a computer language (the source language) into another computer language (the target language). The original sequence is usually called the source code and the output called object code. Commonly the output has a form suitable for processing by other programs (e.g., a linker), but it may be a human-readable text file.
The most common reason for wanting to translate source code is to create an executable program. The name 'compiler' is primarily used for programs that translate source code from a high-level programming language to a lower level language (e.g., assembly language or machine language). A program that translates from a low level language to a higher level one is a decompiler. A program that translates between high-level languages is usually called a language translator, source to source translator, or language converter. A language rewriter is usually a program that translates the form of expressions without a change of language.
A compiler is likely to perform many or all of the following operations: lexical analysis, preprocessing, parsing, semantic analysis, code generation, and code optimization.
Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler)

other great electronics sites:ee toolbox site

- compilers
  - A compiler is a computer program (or set of programs) that translates text written in a computer language (the source language) into another computer language (the target language). The original sequence is usually called the source code and the output called object code. Commonly the output has a form suitable for processing by other programs (e.g., a linker), but it may be a human-readable text file.
    The most common reason for wanting to translate source code is to create an executable program. The name 'compiler' is primarily used for programs that translate source code from a high-level programming language to a lower level language (e.g., assembly language or machine language). A program that translates from a low level language to a higher level one is a decompiler. A program that translates between high-level languages is usually called a language translator, source to source translator, or language converter. A language rewriter is usually a program that translates the form of expressions without a change of language.
    A compiler is likely to perform many or all of the following operations: lexical analysis, preprocessing, parsing, semantic analysis, code generation, and code optimization.
    Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler)
    (Note: The Electronic Engineers Toolbox provides an alternative set of featured links for this word at http://www.cera2.com/compilers.htm)
    Featured Links:
    
    Let's Build a Compiler
    This fifteen-part series, written from 1988 to 1995, is an introduction to compiler construction. You can read the parts on-line or download them in a ZIP file.
    http://compilers.iecc.com/crenshaw/
    
    SDCC ANSI C compiler
    SDCC is a retargettable, optimizing ANSI - C compiler that targets the Intel 8051, Maxim 80DS390, Zilog Z80 and the Motorola 68HC08 based MCUs. Work is in progress on supporting the Microchip PIC16 and PIC18 series. SDCC is Free Open Source Software, distributed under GNU General Public License (GPL). Some of the features include: ASXXXX and ASLINK, a Freeware, retargettable assembler and linker. extensive MCU specific language...
    http://sdcc.sourceforge.net/
    
    Open Watcom Compiler
    Open Watcom is a joint effort between SciTech Software Inc, Sybase®, and the Open Source development community to maintain and enhance the Sybase Watcom C/C++ and Fortran compiler products. Plans for Open Watcom include porting the compiler to the Linux and FreeBSD platforms, as well as updating the compilers to support the latest C and C++ ANSI standards
    http://www.openwatcom.com/
    
    Wind River Download Center - Free VxWorks and Linux Demos
    Find out how Wind River products can help you shorten your development cycle and enable you to create better feature-rich devices more quickly and reliably than your competitors. Test-drive a time-limited version of the following products (evaluation terms and conditions apply see the license agreement during installation process for details). Wind River® General Purpose Platform, VxWorks® Edition, 3.6 - Evaluation More Info ...
    http://www.windriver.com/downloads/
    
    Trends and requirements in compiler technology for embedded cores
    This article focuses on code-generation techniques for configurable cores, examining the architecture and optimizations applied in a compiler as well as the framework to build such a compiler. Altium’s Viper compiler framework is used as a reference platform to illustrate concepts that are being discussed.
    http://www.tasking.com/technology/ecejun05p32.pdf
    
    SmallC for AVR - Free Compiler
    SmallC for AVR has been extensively re-written to make it more efficient. Typical code space savings of over 50% on version 1 have been achieved. A complete User Manual is now available that puts in one place the details previously scattered throughout my old web pages. It includes many examples and code snippets on configuring and using the various AVR hardware.
    http://www.jennaron.com.au/smallc/smallc.html
    
    Compiler @ Wikipedia
    compiler is a computer program (or set of programs) that translates text written in a computer language (the source language) into another computer language (the target language). The original sequence is usually called the source code and the output called object code. Commonly the output has a form suitable for processing by other programs (e.g., a linker), but it may be a human-readable text file. The most common reason for wanting to...
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler
    
    Turbo51 - Free pascal compiler for the 8051 microcontroller family
    Turbo51 is a free Pascal compiler for the 8051 family of microcontrollers. If you are programming for the 8051 family of microcontrollers and you like Pascal programming language then you will love Turbo51.Main features: Win32 console application Fast single pass optimizing compiler Borland Turbo Pascal 7 syntax Full floating point support Mixed...
    http://www.turbo51.com/
    
    Janino - Embedded Java Compiler
    Janino is a compiler that reads a JavaTM expression, block, class body, source file or a set of source files, and generates JavaTM bytecode that is loaded and executed directly. Janino is not intended to be a development tool, but an embedded compiler for run-time compilation purposes, e.g. expression evaluators or 'server pages' engines like JSP. JANINO can also be used for static code analysis. Properties The major design goal was...
    http://www.janino.net/
    
    Wind River Delivers Suite of Multi-architecture Embedded Software Development Tools
    Wind River today announced the immediate availability of its latest suite of development tools, including Wind River Workbench 3.2, Wind River On-Chip Debugging 3.2 and Wind River Compiler 5.8, that can help a broad range of customers, including those in the automotive, industrial, and networking market segments, reduce device software development cycles, eliminate project delays and accelerate time-to-market. Wind River's development tools...
    http://www.windriver.com
    
    Explanation: these links are provided as part of our EE glossary project, which seeks to identify the most prominent keywords in embedded systems, embedded software, realtime and rtos, dsp (digital signal processing), system-on-a-chip, microprocessors and microcontrollers, and other constituent elements for embedded systems. While we seek to keep most of the links up-to-date, the user is refered to other primary electronic-based search sites such as: cera2.com, embedded.com, or EDN Magazine. If you have any suggestions of links or definitions, please email!

Last updated: Thu Feb 25 2010
Creator: Luis Viterbo, Web Surfer and Professional Engineer, email

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