3.1. Introduction to GNU C and C++ Compilers

The GNU compiler, most commonly known as GCC, is not a single program. It is a large set of programs, libraries and other utilities that work together to build source code into executable form. A user, however, mostly interacts with gcc command. The gcc program acts as sort of a front end for compilers and other utilities. This section is an introduction to the compiler and its capabilities.

3.1.1. Languages Supported by GCC

GCC is a family of compilers, also known as the GNU Compiler Collection. GCC supports multiple languages, including:

  • C

  • C++

  • Fortran

  • Objective C

  • Java

Front-end preprocessors for many other languages also exist for GCC. For example, you can use a Pascal language front end with GCC.

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