GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)

Version8.2(as of 9/24/2018)
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux
LicenseOpen Source
CategoryProgramming
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Rating:2.5  |  78 Votes

Main Features

  • Free, open source suite of compilers
  • Supports several different front end languages
  • Can cross-compile executables for different platforms

Software Overview

The GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) is a suite of open source compliers most commonly used for compiling C and C++ programs. GCC supports several other programming languages as well, including Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Ada, Go, and BRIG (HSAIL). The compilers are most commonly used on Unix-based systems, but a Windows port, called MiniGW, can be used as well.

GCC includes several different compilers:

  • gcc: A C compiler
  • g++: A C++ and Objective-C compiler
  • gfortran: A Fortran compiler
  • gcj: A Java compiler
  • GNAT: An Ada compiler
  • gccgo: A Go compiler
GCC's modular design also allows plugins to be installed to extend functionality of the software. Additional functionality includes support for programming languages that do not come with GCC.

One great feature of GCC is its ability to cross-compile programs for different platforms. This means that, even though a developer uses GCC on one platform, it may be compiled for another target platform.

GCC is one of the most common choices for compiling C and C++ programs on Unix-based systems. If you're developing for Linux, GCC is a good go-to choice. It can also be used for Windows, but other compilers are typically preferred, such as the compiler included with Microsoft Visual Studio.

Primary File Type

c icon.CC/C++ Source Code File

Supported File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.CC/C++ Source Code File
.ADAAda Source Code
.ADBAda Body File
.ADSAda Specification File
.ASMAssembly Language Source Code File
.CPPC++ Source Code File
.FFortran Source Code
.HC/C++/Objective-C Header File
.HPPC++ Header File
.JAVAJava Source Code File
.MObjective-C Implementation File

Additional Related File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.AStatic Library
.ARUnix Static Library
.CCC++ Source Code File
.GCHPrecompiled Header File
.HXXC++ Source Code Header File
.OCompiled C Object File
.SOShared Library
Updated 9/24/2018