SDCC - Small Device C Compiler
SDCC is an open-source C compiler suite designed for 8-bit microcontrollers. It supports multiple hardware platforms and generates efficient code optimized for small memory models.
c-compiler
microcontrollers
small-devices
SDCC: Open-Source C Compiler Suite for Small Devices
An open-source C compiler suite designed for 8-bit microcontrollers, supporting multiple hardware platforms and generating efficient code optimized for small memory models.
What is SDCC - Small Device C Compiler?
SDCC (Small Device C Compiler) is a free and open-source C compiler suite aimed at 8-bit microcontrollers. Some key points about SDCC:
- Supports multiple 8-bit MCU architectures including Z80, Z180, Rabbit 2000, GBZ80, TLCS-90, Padauk, HC08, STM8, PIC16 and PIC18.
- Generates very efficient code optimized for small amounts of RAM and ROM.
- Performs optimizations such as function inlining, loop unrolling and peephole optimizations.
- Supports latest C language features like variable length arrays and inline assembly.
- Built as a retargettable compiler with portable optimization passes and code generation.
- Very active open-source development community with regular releases.
- BSD licensed with continual development since 1999.
- Used widely in commercial products and by hobbyist developers.
- Integrates well with IDEs like MPLAB X, CMPLX, CC5X, ProgramIDE etc.
Overall, SDCC excels at code efficiency which makes it well-suited for memory-constrained 8-bit microcontroller applications. The open-source nature provides users a no-cost development toolchain and community support.
SDCC - Small Device C Compiler Features
Features
- Supports multiple 8-bit microcontroller architectures
- Generates efficient and optimized code for small memory models
- Supports C language standards C89/C99/C11
- Includes an integrated assembler, linker and preprocessor
- Has a modular design allowing retargeting for new microcontrollers
- Open source with active development community
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Good code optimization for small microcontrollers
Supports many 8-bit architectures and chips
Active community support and development
Integrated toolchain for building projects
Cons
Limited to 8-bit microcontrollers
Not as feature rich as commercial compilers
Lacks support for some advanced C++ features
Documentation could be more extensive
Not as widely used as some commercial options
Official Links
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