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(gcc-300.info)G++ and GCC

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Compile C, C++, Objective C, Fortran, Java
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   Several versions of the compiler (C, C++, Objective C, Fortran,
Java) are integrated; this is why we use the name "GNU Compiler
Collection".  GCC can compile programs written in any of these
languages.  The Fortran and Java compilers are described in separate
manuals.

   "GCC" is a common shorthand term for the GNU Compiler Collection.
This is both the most general name for the compiler, and the name used
when the emphasis is on compiling C programs (as the abbreviation
formerly stood for "GNU C Compiler").

   When referring to C++ compilation, it is usual to call the compiler
"G++".  Since there is only one compiler, it is also accurate to call
it "GCC" no matter what the language context; however, the term "G++"
is more useful when the emphasis is on compiling C++ programs.

   We use the name "GCC" to refer to the compilation system as a whole,
and more specifically to the language-independent part of the compiler.
For example, we refer to the optimization options as affecting the
behavior of "GCC" or sometimes just "the compiler".

   Front ends for other languages, such as Ada 95 and Pascal exist but
have not yet been integrated into GCC.  These front ends, like that for
C++, are built in subdirectories of GCC and link to it.  The result is
an integrated compiler that can compile programs written in C, C++,
Objective C, or any of the languages for which you have installed front
ends.

   In this manual, we only discuss the options for the C, Objective-C,
and C++ compilers and those of the GCC core.  Consult the documentation
of the other front ends for the options to use when compiling programs
written in other languages.

   G++ is a _compiler_, not merely a preprocessor.  G++ builds object
code directly from your C++ program source.  There is no intermediate C
version of the program.  (By contrast, for example, some other
implementations use a program that generates a C program from your C++
source.)  Avoiding an intermediate C representation of the program means
that you get better object code, and better debugging information.  The
GNU debugger, GDB, works with this information in the object code to
give you comprehensive C++ source-level editing capabilities (Note: C
and C++.).