Thread: Best compiler and computer for C2x use with supercomputers

I want to learn what will likely be C23 when it becomes available. I read on Wikipedia "The GCC 9,^[7]Clang 9.0,^[8] and Pelles C 11.00^[9] compilers implement a compiler flag to support this standard." but I am a complete beginner to all things programming.

I wanted to write or have software written that could act as a real world physics engine on a sub-quantum/sub-electric level. I am well versed in physics, chemistry, quantum mechanics and string theory but I am trying to program something incredibly complex and revolutionary over the next few decades. Ideally one would be able to access an accurate enough model of themselves to diagnose and cure any disease, extend longevity, calculate metabolic and nutritional requirements, devise exercise routines and generally use the computing power we have for the good of all man-kind.

My question is what would be the best compiler and computer hardware/OS to write in C2x so that I can use distributed network computing to access the processing power of super computers around the world while I cannot afford one myself.

I figure if I match the compiler and my new computer to the supercomputer/s that will be doing the bulk of the programming this could avoid problems later on.

This is the current build I've been discussing with a computer builder but he's not an expert of C so I'd really love some input.

CPU: i9 12900K
CPU Cooler: MSI Core Liquid Cooler 240MM
Motherboard: MSI MPG Z690 CARBON Wi-Fi
RAM: 128GB DDR5 4800Mhz (4x32GB)
SSDs: 2x 2TB Aorus 7000's Gen 4 In RAID 1
Storage HD's: 2x 10TB Seagate SkyHawk AI HD's
GPU/s: 2x PNY RTX 3090 24GB
PSU: 2000W CoolerMaster PSU
Case: Lian Li 011 Dynamic
Misc Parts: NV-Link, Cooler Brackets, cables, fans ect
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

Have you considered Linux! You have not mentioned the O/S running on the supercomputers you are thinking of connecting or sharing software with. All the top 100+ supercomputers are running Linux. Please check out the top 10 Distros at Distrowatch.

I would recommend gcc or clang! Both are excellent! I have no experience with Pelles.

For now until C2x is accepted as a standard, please stick to C18 (Sometimes listed as C17. ISO lists it as C18)

I would strongly avoid Windows!

Good luck with your work!

Originally Posted by rstanley

Have you considered Linux! You have not mentioned the O/S running on the supercomputers you are thinking of connecting or sharing software with. All the top 100+ supercomputers are running Linux. Please check out the top 10 Distros at Distrowatch.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is my current favourite choice based on it's use on lots of Top 500 supercomputers.

Originally Posted by rstanley

I would recommend gcc or clang! Both are excellent! I have no experience with Pelles.

I think I'm going to start with GNU Compiler Collection. Based on what I read on the Wikipedia article it is more powerful and adaptable than Clang. This might change when C2x is actually supported.

Is there anything missing from GCC that Clang has? I'm wondering if cross-compiling is possible.

Originally Posted by rstanley

For now until C2x is accepted as a standard, please stick to C18 (Sometimes listed as C17. ISO lists it as C18)

I've always struggled with languages other than spoken/written English and it doesn't seem like C18 is going to be any different. I might try and hire or collaborate with some experts.

Originally Posted by rstanley

I would strongly avoid Windows!

Noted! I'm only familiar with iOS, OSX, Windows and Android but the Linux operating systems seem similar in lots of ways and the communities seem supportive.

Originally Posted by rstanley

Good luck with your work!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Alexander D

I think I'm going to start with GNU Compiler Collection. Based on what I read on the Wikipedia article it is more powerful and adaptable than Clang. This might change when C2x is actually supported.

Is there anything missing from GCC that Clang has? I'm wondering if cross-compiling is possible.

Both compilers provide similar standard tools. Each may or may not provide lesser used tools that the other may not have. Also there may be third party tools to augment both compilers. You will need to do more research on your own.

One you should be aware of, and use extensively, is valgrind! It should be available in most if not all Distro's package manager.

Gcc is a good choice.

As for cross compiling, if you do a Google search for "cross compiling with gcc". It will provide you with many sites that cover this subject. I do not do cross-compiling.