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GCC Allowing C++ Code
By Bryan Young
Expert Author
Article Date: 2010-06-04
For years, we have been using the gcc compiler to build our source code into executable programs, so you're probably asking yourselves what the big deal is. The big deal is that for the first time ever, C++ code will be used to /write/ the gcc compiler, which has always been written in C and nothing but.
The GNU project was started in 1984 with the goal of creating a completely free Unix-like operating system. In order to accomplish this, they had to build a C compiler from scratch, as none could be obtained for free. Three years later, GCC had its first release. It was written in C, and only compiled C. Since then, it has expanded greatly to include other languages such as C++, Java, Fortran, and others, though it has always been written in just C.
On May 30, Mark Mitchell (the GCC Release Manager) sent an email out to the GCC team, stating that C++ is now acceptable for use in the code base, "I am pleased to report that the GCC Steering Committee and the FSF have approved the use of C++ in GCC itself." He quickly followed with, "There's no reason for us to use C++ features just because we can." With such strong roots in C, it is of the utmost importance that the designers not make drastic use of C++ features. With this in mind, Mr. Mitchell calls for a specific standard to be written up outlining the use of C++ in the GCC project, making sure that further development is not limited, while at the same time making it easy for programmers with less C++ experience to be able to understand the new code that is being used.
Overall, the use of C++ within the GCC project will be very limited. The main focus will still be on writing as much as possible in C, and only using advanced features when it is necessary. One example given is the 'long long' integer type. This is an important feature, as it allows for the only 64-bit integer. Other than this, they will be sticking to the original standards, issued in 1998, as opposed to the not yet finished C++0x.
With the new features now being opened up for use, there is nowhere to go but up. With these improvements, the GCC compiler has certainly given itself the strength needed to be just as strong in coming years as it has been in the past.
About the Author:
Bryan Young is a staff writer for WebProNews.
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