The GNU Pasal compiler <http://www.gnu-pascal.de> is maintained as a
separate back-end project. The compiler can be built with gcc-2.8.1 up
to gcc-3.4.x and preliminary support for gcc-4.0 was recently added
(<http://www.gnu-pascal.de/crystal/gpc/en/thread13456.html>). A regular
question is why gpc isn't integrated into the gcc repository. The
answer is that simply the resources fail to maintain gpc on a daily
basis on gcc mainline. Also, flexibility in choosing the back-end
version sometimes has its advantages, dependent on the platform, given
the fact that reported gcc bugs are not always fixed.
Apropos, <http://gcc.gnu.org/backends.html> seems to be pointing to the
wrong page now.
Still, I would like to create a GNU Pascal branch for gcc. This will be
a central place where to keep the compiler updated with
* recent gpc snapshots
* patches to the front-end, posted on the GNU Pascal mailing list
<http://www.gnu-pascal.de/crystal/gpc/en/> (to add features or to fix
bugs)
* patches to the back-end and middle-end, needed to get things working
for various targets.
<http://gcc.gnu.org/svnwrite.html#branches> explains how to create a
branch, so I am looking for a gcc maintainer to approve for write
access (solely for the branch). I signed an FSF assignment for the GNU
Pascal compiler on February 15, 2005 (OS/RT 220644).
Sincerely,
Adriaan van Os
<http://www.microbizz.nl/gpc.html>
