Thread: Choosing a compiler

Hi guys, I've been away a while ( 2 years apparently) , but now im back

Last time i did any coding was with the Bloodshed Compiler system, which i was very happy with, but i see its frozen in time now. I was wondering what people are using these days ( I need something that is free!).

Many thanks!

I am using the Code::Blocks IDE and several different Compilers.
The main Compilers are MinGW GCC (TDM build of it) and MSVC 2010 Express.
Code::Blocks
TDM's GCC/MinGW32 Builds | Download TDM's GCC/MinGW32 Builds software for free at SourceForge.net

For C only, people recommend Pelles C smorgasbordet - Pelles C

Tim S.

Originally Posted by Jez

Hi guys, I've been away a while ( 2 years apparently) , but now im back

Last time i did any coding was with the Bloodshed Compiler system, which i was very happy with, but i see its frozen in time now. I was wondering what people are using these days ( I need something that is free!).

Many thanks!

For C99 only (no C++) I'd recommend Pelles C

If you're interested in C++ as well... Visual C++ Express or ... Code::Blocks with MinGW

Thanks guys, the Pelles C looks interesting, my only worry is that it's based on the LCC compiler, and I used LCC-win32 a few years ago , and found it to be so unstable and full of bugs as to be unusable, which caused me some grief until i discovered the bloodshed one. Maybe all thats changed now?

The code::blocks one looks good, i might give that a go.

Thanks for your quick replies, much appreciated!

Originally Posted by CommonTater

I've been using PellesC for years, since version 2.90 and across 3 OS upgrades.

Like any complex piece of code we will find the occasional bug. However; Pelle went to work on the compiler and got it pretty much straightened out and nicely keeps on top of reported bugs. It's been 100% reliable for me the whole time...

The big advantage of PellesC over Code::Blocks is the IDE features. If you go with Code::Blocks and MinGW you will need to find your own Resource, Dialog, Icon, Bitmap, String Table and Message Table editors, all of which are included in PellesC from the git-go. (And good luck finding a free standing Message Table editor!)

Plus, what makes you think MinGw is any better than LCC?

Thanks for setting my mind at ease! I don't know what the issues were with LCC-win32, but it was horrible, maybe it was just the IDE, i dont know, and cant really remember now. I just started using Codeblocks, and looks fine for my requirements (Chess engine project). I'll bear what you said in mind tho about the extra features in PellesC, might come in hand if i need to do a user interface, - It's good to have a choice!

Originally Posted by Jez

Thanks for setting my mind at ease! I don't know what the issues were with LCC-win32, but it was horrible, maybe it was just the IDE, i dont know, and cant really remember now. I just started using Codeblocks, and looks fine for my requirements (Chess engine project). I'll bear what you said in mind tho about the extra features in PellesC, might come in hand if i need to do a user interface, - It's good to have a choice!

There were problems with the LCC compiler, no doubt about that.
The thing to note on the website is that Pelle specifically says "heavily modified", meaning he started from their codebase and essentially re-wrote the thing.

Code:blocks and MinGW is ok if you're also doing C++ development. I use it too... just nowhere nearly as often.

Originally Posted by Jez

Thanks for setting my mind at ease! I don't know what the issues were with LCC-win32, but it was horrible, maybe it was just the IDE, i dont know, and cant really remember now. I just started using Codeblocks, and looks fine for my requirements (Chess engine project). I'll bear what you said in mind tho about the extra features in PellesC, might come in hand if i need to do a user interface, - It's good to have a choice!

Chess engine?

Did I hear that right?

<< Chess Engine !! >>

C'mon over and visit >>>
http://www.talkchess.com/

Top chess programmers are involved (including Robert H, the author of "Houdini", the current top engine).

I'm just on my way over there now Sir ! As soon as finished watching Rybka vs Houdini match
YouTube - Chessworld.net presents: Rybka vs Houdini recent match, Game 1

Well that's uncanny, there i was watching rybka vs houdini, i get a message saying go to your site, - i didn't see the bit at the bottom of your post about houdini either, then i go there, and thats what everyones talking about!

Synchronicity in action !

Have you seen Martin's big Tournament yet? The E group has just finished, so the D group will be next.

A's are top group, F is the lowest group. Season 1 has already completed. Great games, and wonderful stuff!!

Haha I'm too busy reading thru the talkchess forums atm!

Do you have a link for that tourney? Are they live games?

BTW i registered on talkchess, but haven't had my account activated yet, hopefully see you on there soon!

I have a pet hate, that is people taking threads off-topic, I'm afraid im guilty....

Woops! I forgot to post the tournament link:
TCEC - Division F - Live Broadcast

This is Season 2 games. Season 1 is already done, and in the archives, including an annotated game by an NM!

Why would you hate a pet?