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Topic starter 15/08/2025 9:31 pm
Cross-compiling is the process of building executable binaries for a platform different from the one you’re currently using. This is essential when developing software for embedded systems, mobile devices, or any target that can’t compile code natively.
🧠 What Is a Cross Compiler?
A cross compiler runs on one system (the build machine) and generates code for another system (the host or target machine). For example, compiling ARM binaries on an x86 Linux PC.
Learn more from GeeksforGeeks.
🛠 Popular Cross-Compilation Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) | Supports cross-compilation for many architectures (e.g., ARM, MIPS, PowerPC) |
| Clang/LLVM | Modular compiler with cross-compilation support |
| MinGW-w64 | Cross-compiles Windows binaries from Linux or macOS |
| Buildroot | Automates building complete Linux systems for embedded devices |
| Yocto Project | Advanced toolchain for embedded Linux development |
| CMake + Toolchain Files | Allows specifying cross-compilers via configuration files |
| Meson | Modern build system with built-in cross-compilation support |
🧪 Example: Cross-Compiling for ARM on Linux
# Install cross compiler
sudo apt install gcc-arm-linux-gnueabi
# Compile a simple C program
arm-linux-gnueabi-gcc -o hello_arm hello.c
This produces a binary that runs on ARM-based systems.
🧩 Key Concepts
- Build Machine: Where compilation happens
- Host Machine: Where the compiled binary will run
- Target Machine: Only relevant if the binary produces machine-specific output (e.g., compilers)
Meson explains this distinction well in their cross-compilation guide.
