Open In App

Difference between Native compiler and Cross compiler

Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

1. Native Compiler :

 Native compiler are compilers that generates code for the same Platform on which it runs. It converts high language into computer’s native language.  For example, Turbo C or GCC compiler. if a compiler runs on a Windows machine and produces executable code for Windows, then it is a native compiler. Native compilers are widely used because they can optimize code for the specific processor and operating system of the host machine, resulting in faster and more efficient code execution. They are also easier to use since they don’t require any additional setup or configuration.

How do native compilers work?

Native compilers work by analyzing the source code and generating machine code that is specific to the processor and operating system of the host machine. They can perform various optimizations, such as loop unrolling, function inlining, and instruction scheduling, to produce code that executes faster and more efficiently.

Advantages:

  • Native compilers produce highly optimized code that can run very quickly on the same system.
  • They are easy to set up and use since they don’t require any additional tools or software.
  • Native compilers are usually more efficient in terms of memory usage than cross compilers.

Disadvantages:

  • Native compilers are limited to the hardware and operating system on which they are running. This means that they cannot be used to compile code for other platforms.
  • They are not suitable for cross-platform development, which requires the ability to compile code for different hardware and operating systems.

 2. Cross compiler :

 A Cross compiler is a compiler that generates executable code for a platform other than one on which the compiler is running. For example a compiler that running on Linux/x86 box is building a program which will run on a separate Arduino/ARM. if a compiler runs on a Linux machine and produces executable code for Windows, then it is a cross compiler. Cross compilers are typically used in embedded systems or when targeting platforms that are not available on the host machine. They are more difficult to set up and use than native compilers because they require additional configuration and libraries to generate code for the target platform.

How do cross compilers work?

Cross-compilers operate by examining the source code and producing machine code tailored for a different processor and/or operating system than that of the compilation host. These compilers facilitate the development of software for platforms distinct from the one on which the compilation occurs. Similar to native compilers, cross-compilers can implement optimizations like loop unrolling, function inlining, and instruction scheduling to enhance the performance and efficiency of the generated code for the target system.

Advantages:

  • Cross compilers can be used to develop software for multiple platforms.
  • They can optimize code for a specific platform, even if the development environment is different.
  • Cross compilers are often used in embedded systems development, where resources are limited.

Disadvantages:

  • Cross compilers can be complex to set up and use, and require additional software and tools.
  • They may not be as efficient as native compilers in terms of memory usage.
  • Cross compilers require the developer to have a good understanding of the target system’s hardware and operating system.

The main difference between native compiler and cross compiler is in the target platform they support:

  1. Native compiler: A native compiler is a compiler that runs on a particular platform and generates code for the same platform. For example, a compiler that runs on a Windows machine and generates code for Windows machines is a native compiler.
  2. Cross compiler: A cross compiler is a compiler that runs on one platform and generates code for a different platform. For example, a compiler that runs on a Windows machine and generates code for Linux machines is a cross compiler.
  3. Some of the key differences between the two are:
  4. Platform support: Native compilers generate code for the same platform as the one they are running on, while cross compilers generate code for a different platform.
  5. Build environment: Native compilers are built and run on the same platform, while cross compilers require a build environment that is different from the target platform.
  6. Performance: Native compilers may produce faster code as they can take advantage of platform-specific optimizations, while cross compilers may produce slower code as they have to accommodate the differences between the source and target platforms.
  7. Development time: Cross compilers may require more development time as they need to be tested and validated on both the source and target platforms, while native compilers are typically faster to develop and easier to test.

In summary, native compilers generate code for the same platform they are running on, while cross compilers generate code for a different platform. Cross compilers require a different build environment and may produce slower code, but they enable developers to target multiple platforms with a single toolchain. Native compilers are typically faster to develop and easier to test.

Difference between Native Compiler and Cross Compiler :

Native Compiler Cross Compiler
Translates program for same hardware/platform/machine on it is running. Translates program for different hardware/platform/machine other than the platform which it is running.
It is used to build programs for same system/machine & OS it is installed. It is used to build programs for other system/machine like AVR/ARM.
It is dependent on System/machine and OS It is independent of System/machine and OS
It can generate executable file like .exe It can generate raw code .hex
Generates machine code for the same platform it’s running on. Generates machine code for a different platform than it’s running on.
Turbo C or GCC is native Compiler. Keil is a cross compiler.
Used for development and testing on the same system. Used for cross-platform development, porting, and cross-compiling.
Example :- GCC compiler on a Linux machine Example:- ARM compiler on a Windows machine for compiling code for a Raspberry Pi.

Advantage:-

Typically faster and more efficient than cross compilers.

Advantage:-

Enables developers to compile code for multiple platforms.

Disadvantage:- 

Cannot be used for cross-platform development

Disadvantage:-

Can be slower and less efficient than native compilers.

Conclusion:

In summary, native compilers and cross compilers serve different purposes in software development. Native compilers are designed for use on the same system and produce highly optimized code, while cross compilers are used to develop software for multiple platforms. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use depends on the specific needs of the development project.



Last Updated : 08 Jan, 2024
Like Article
Save Article
Previous
Next
Share your thoughts in the comments
Similar Reads