“c99” is a command-line tool that compiles C programming language source code files according to the ISO C standard. It is designed to ensure that C programs adhere to the specifications and guidelines defined by the ISO C standard, which is a standardized version of the C programming language.
Here’s a closer look at the features and functionalities of the “c99” compiler:
- Standard Compliance: The primary purpose of the “c99” compiler is to enforce compliance with the ISO C standard. This standard provides a set of rules and guidelines that ensure portability and consistency of C code across different platforms and compilers.
- ISO C Standard: The ISO C standard specifies the syntax, semantics, and behavior of the C programming language. It defines features such as variable types, control structures, function declarations, and library functions. By compiling code with the “c99” compiler, developers can ensure that their programs conform to this standard.
- Language Features: “c99” supports the language features introduced in the ISO C standard, including the use of // comments, flexible array members, variable-length arrays, and other enhancements. It provides compatibility with the extended functionality defined in the ISO C standard.
- Portability: By compiling code with “c99,” developers can create C programs that are portable across different platforms and compilers. Adhering to the ISO C standard helps to minimize compatibility issues and ensures that the code behaves consistently across various environments.
- Error Checking: The “c99” compiler performs rigorous error checking during the compilation process. It verifies that the source code adheres to the ISO C standard and reports any violations or potential issues, such as syntax errors, type mismatches, or undefined behavior.
- Output Generation: When the “c99” compiler successfully compiles a C program, it generates an executable file that can be run on the target platform. This output file contains the compiled machine code generated from the source code.
Using the “c99” compiler, developers can confidently write C programs that conform to the ISO C standard, ensuring better code portability, compatibility, and adherence to best practices. It helps to produce reliable and consistent C code that can be compiled and executed correctly on various platforms and compilers.
c99 Command Examples
1. Compile source file(s) and create an executable:
# c99 file.c
2. Compile source file(s) and create an executable with a custom name:
# c99 -o executable_name file.c
3. Compile source file(s) and create object file(s):
# c99 -c file.c
4. Compile source file(s), link with object file(s), and create an executable:
# c99 file.c file.o