The C build process
FreeUnderstanding the C compilation process from source to executable
FreeFree tier
About The C build process
This blog post explains the C build process, detailing how C source files are transformed into executable code. It covers compilation stages including preprocessing, tokenizing, syntax analysis, intermediate representation, semantic analysis, and optimization. The article is part of the Sticky Bits blog by Feabhas, focusing on embedded systems software development.
Key Features
Explains pre-processing and tokenising stages
Covers syntax analysis and parse tree generation
Describes Intermediate Representation (IR) like Gimple
Details semantic analysis and optimization
Focuses on embedded systems context
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clear step-by-step explanation of compilation stages
- Relevant examples and terminology for embedded developers
- Free educational resource from Feabhas
Cons
- Single blog post format, not an interactive tool
- Limited to basic concepts without advanced optimization details
Best For
Learning C compilation for embedded systemsUnderstanding build toolchain internalsReference for software developers working with C/C++
FAQ
What is a translation unit in C?
A translation unit is a .c file that has passed through the pre-processor. The compiler works with one translation unit at a time.
What does the pre-processor do?
The pre-processor parses source code and evaluates directives like #include and #define, producing a post-processed translation unit.
What is an Intermediate Representation (IR)?
IR is a machine-independent program representation generated from the parse tree, allowing compiler vendors to support multiple languages on multiple targets without n*m toolchain combinations.