Is the Sunfire Compiler Worth Downloading for Programming?

[CartoonKid]

Does anyone of you know about this Sunfire compiler? Where can I download it? I need it for my next sem programming module. It's not available for downloading from my uni site. According to my friend's comment, it's not user friendly. So I want to get familiar with it before my next sem starts. Thanks in advance for helping.

 

[graphic7]

I'm not familiar with the Sunfire compiler. I assume you are referring to the 'Sun One Studio' package, which includes a suite of compilers, C, C++, etc. Sun makes a series of servers called the 'Fire' series, which leads me to believe your confusion with 'Sunfire.'

If so, the Studio suite is rather expensive, approximately $3,000 USD. You can download an evaluation version, and if I remember correctly, it lasts for 30 days.

For more information:

http://wwws.sun.com/software/products/studio/index.html

As far as user friendly goes, it's like any other UNIX compiler suite, and should have similar arguments and flags. Most features you probably won't be using, such as the vast number of Sparc optimizations the suite supports.

If you're familiar with the GNU Compiler Collection, Sun Studio shouldn't be anything new, unless you plan on doing anything spectacular.

If you feel that you are unable to afford a license, or don't feel like playing with the evaluation version, I'd suggest installing the GNU Compiler Collection. If you're running any derivative of UNIX, or any free-deriviative UNIX, you'll need to check if you have 'gcc', 'g++,' etc. If not, you'll need to read the appropriate documentation for your OS and install the needed packages.

If you're using Windows, the solution is simple:

http://www.cygwin.com

Cygwin allows to run UNIX applications in Windows (they must be compiled in Cygwin, however). During the install, it'll ask you which packages you would like to install. Of course, install all the development tools, which will install the GNU Compiler Collection. Be sure to read any appropriate documentation.

If you'd like more solutions, I'll offer one more. I assume that since the Fire server will be using Sun Studio, you might be able to request a login (if you don't already have one) to the system, so you could use telnet or SSH and use the system remotely or a remote X session.

 

[CartoonKid]

Thanks for the information. I have installed the Sun One Studio 5.0. However, it looks very complicated for me to use. Do you know where can I look for this Sun fire in it? Do you know any good online tutorial for it? Thanks.

 

[graphic7]

Thanks for the information. I have installed the Sun One Studio 5.0. However, it looks very complicated for me to use. Do you know where can I look for this Sun fire in it? Do you know any good online tutorial for it? Thanks.

There is no such thing as a 'Sunfire.' Sun makes a series of servers called the Fire series, which is where I believe you got your confusion from. You'll probably be working on a Fire series serving in class, using Sun One Studio.

If I may ask, what course will you be taking?

Edit: By the way, you might want to try finding something more recent. Version 5 is rather old, considering Version 9 is out now.

 

[CartoonKid]

The course I will be taking is "Programming Methology using C". In my textbook, it mentions something about sunfire system.

 

[graphic7]

The course I will be taking is "Programming Methology using C". In my textbook, it mentions something about sunfire system.

Yes, the "Sun Fire" is a system.

If it's just a C programming course, you probably won't be using all the features of Sun One, also known as Forte. If you don't feel comfortable with the documentation that came with Sun One, plenty of other compiler suites exist with plenty of documentation.

 

[ceptimus]

If it's not a C programming course aimed at training you to support a particular system - if it's a general C programming course, especially at beginner level, then it won't matter which C compiler you use - they're all pretty much the same. Once you can program in C for one operating system, it's very easy to transfer your skills to any other system.

As others have posted, there are some fine 'free' compilers out there. Better than the expensive ones in many ways.

 

[graphic7]

As others have posted, there are some fine 'free' compilers out there. Better than the expensive ones in many ways.

That's generalizing. The Intel compilers are much more efficient than GCC for x86 code, the MIPSpro suite produces much more efficient code for MIPS, and Sun One produces much, much faster code for Sparcs.

Unless you demand the absolute, best performance, GCC and any other '`free' compiler will suffice, hence. why they are free.