The Ultimate Archive: Free Compilers & Programming Tools from the Golden Age of Open Source
A historical archive of free compilers, development tools, and resources from 1998-2002 that shaped Dev-C++ and the open source compiler ecosystem.
The Ultimate Archive: Free Compilers & Programming Tools from the Golden Age of Open Source
A journey back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the free compiler movement was just beginning to flourish.
๐๏ธ About This Archive
This page has been preserved for archival and historical purposes. It contains lists of free, open source, and public domain compiler resources that were of significant interest during the early development of Dev-C++ and Dev-Pascal (1998-2002).
๐ Historical Context: During this era, free compilers were rare gems. Most professional development tools cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. This list represents the pioneering projects that made programming accessible to everyone.
โ ๏ธ Important Notes:
- Many of these resources date back from the late 90s and early 2000s
- Some links may be unavailable or have moved
- Several projects have been archived or discontinued
- Weโve marked each entry with its current status
๐ค Help Keep This Archive Alive: Found a working mirror? Know a new URL? Contact us to help update this historical record!
๐ Quick Navigation
Jump to any section:
- C/C++ Compilers - The workhorses of system programming
- Alternative Language Compilers - Pascal, BASIC, and more
- Compiler Construction Tools - Build your own language
- Tutorials & Learning Resources - Learn compiler theory
- Archives & Community Resources - Where developers gathered
๐ป C/C++ Compilers
The heart of system programming and the tools that powered millions of developers.
๐ GCC (GNU Compiler Collection)
Status: โ Still Active & Maintained Platform: Nearly all systems (Linux, Unix, BSD, Windows via ports) Language: C, C++, Objective-C, Fortran, Ada, Go, and more License: GPL
Description: The legendary GNU Compiler Collection that powers most of the open source world. GCC is the foundation upon which countless other tools are built.
Link: http://www.gnu.org/software/gcc/gcc.html
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: GCC remains one of the most important compilers in existence, powering Linux, Android (via LLVM fork), and countless embedded systems.
๐ง MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows)
Status: โ Still Active Platform: Windows Language: C, C++ License: GPL + Runtime exception
Description: A Win32 port of the GNU GCC compiler. This is the compiler used in Dev-C++! MinGW brought Unix-style development tools to Windows without requiring Cygwinโs POSIX layer.
Link: http://www.mingw.org/
Dev-C++ Connection:
๐จ Dev-C++ was built around MinGW, making it one of the first truly free C++ IDEs for Windows. This partnership revolutionized free software development on Windows platforms.
๐ช Cygwin
Status: โ Still Active Platform: Windows Language: C, C++, and full Unix toolchain License: GPL
Description: Another excellent Win32 port of GCC and GNU utilities. Unlike MinGW, Cygwin provides a full POSIX compatibility layer, allowing Unix programs to run on Windows.
Link: http://cygwin.com/
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: Cygwin is still widely used by developers who need Unix tools on Windows, though WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) has become a modern alternative.
๐๏ธ DJGPP
Status: โ ๏ธ Archive/Legacy Platform: DOS (32-bit protected mode) Language: C, C++, Forth, Pascal, and more License: GPL
Description: DJ Delorieโs port of GCC to DOS. DJGPP enabled 32-bit programming on DOS systems and was revolutionary in its time. Includes full C sources.
Link: http://www.delorie.com/djgpp/
Historical Note: Before Windows 95/98 became dominant, DJGPP was the way to do serious C/C++ development on DOS. Many classic DOS games and applications were built with DJGPP.
๐ข LCC-Win32
Status: โ ๏ธ Archive/Uncertain Platform: Windows Language: C License: Free for non-commercial use
Description: A free compiler system for Windows by Jacob Navia. Known for being lightweight and generating fast code.
Link: https://lcc-win32.services.net/
๐ Digital Mars C/C++
Status: โ Still Available Platform: DOS, Windows, NT Language: C, C++ License: Free for personal/commercial use
Description: Created by Walter Bright (creator of the D programming language), this was the successor to Zortech C++ and Symantec C++. Known for extremely fast compile times.
Link: http://www.digitalmars.com/
Fun Fact: Walter Bright went on to create the D programming language, which was designed as a successor to C++.
๐ Open Watcom
Status: โ Open Source (Archived) Platform: DOS, Windows, OS/2, Linux Language: C, C++, Fortran License: Open Source (Sybase Open Watcom Public License)
Description: The legendary Watcom C/C++ compiler, made open source. This professional-grade compiler was used to build many commercial games and applications in the 90s.
Link: https://sourceforge.net/projects/openwatcom
Gaming History:
๐ฎ Many classic DOS/Windows games including Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, and Descent were compiled with Watcom C/C++.
๐ชถ LCC (retargetable compiler)
Status: ๐๏ธ Educational/Archive Platform: ALPHA, SPARC, MIPS, x86 Language: ISO Standard C License: Open Source
Description: A retargetable compiler for ISO Standard C developed at Princeton. Excellent for learning compiler design.
Link: http://www.cs.princeton.edu/software/lcc/index.html
๐ ๏ธ Dev86 / BCC (Bruceโs C Compiler)
Status: โ Open Source Platform: 8086/8088 (16-bit x86) Language: C, Assembly License: Open Source
Description: 8086 C/Assembler development tools including C compiler, assembler, and linker. Still used for very low-level development and bootloader programming.
Link: https://github.com/lkundrak/dev86
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: Yes, for embedded systems and bootloader development for x86 platforms.
๐๏ธ Pacific C for DOS
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: MS-DOS Language: C License: Freeware
Description: Freeware version of a professional C IDE/compiler. A DOS-era tool that brought professional features to hobbyists.
Link: http://www.grifo.com/SOFT/Pacific/uk_pacific.html
๐ SmallC
Status: ๐๏ธ Historical Platform: Various Language: Small subset of C License: Public Domain
Description: A small C compiler written by J. E. Hendrix. Excellent for learning compiler construction. Full C source code included.
Link: Download SmallC
Educational Value: Small enough to understand completely, making it perfect for students learning about compiler design.
๐จ Alternative Language Compilers
Beyond C and C++, the late 90s saw an explosion of free compilers for many languages.
๐ Pascal Compilers
Free Pascal
Status: โ Actively Maintained Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS, DOS, FreeBSD, and 15+ more Language: Pascal (Object Pascal, Delphi-compatible) License: GPL + runtime library exception
Description: Professional-grade, multi-platform Pascal compiler. Compatible with Turbo Pascal and Delphi. Used in Dev-Pascal!
Link: http://www.freepascal.org/
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: Free Pascal continues active development and powers Lazarus IDE, a free Delphi alternative.
Virtual Pascal
Status: ๐๏ธ Discontinued (Archive) Platform: OS/2, Windows Language: Pascal (Borland/Delphi compatible) License: Freeware
Description: Professional Pascal compiler compatible with Borland Pascal and Delphi. Features optimizing compiler and powerful integrated debugger.
Link: http://vpascal.ning.com/
Historical Significance: One of the best free Pascal compilers of its era, featuring excellent Delphi compatibility.
Dev-Pascal
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive (by Dev-C++ team) Platform: Windows Language: Pascal License: GPL
Description: Free IDE and compiler for Pascal, built by the Dev-C++ team using Free Pascal.
Link: http://www.bloodshed.net/devpascal.html
Family Connection:
๐จ Dev-Pascal was the sister project to Dev-C++, providing the same user-friendly IDE experience for Pascal developers.
CoPascal
Status: ๐๏ธ Historical/Educational Platform: Various Language: Pascal-S extension License: Open Source
Description: Extension of the Pascal-S compiler developed by Niklaus Wirth. Full Pascal source code included.
Link: Download CoPascal
TinyPascal
Status: ๐๏ธ Educational Platform: Various Language: Pascal subset License: Open Source
Description: A small implementation of the Pascal language. Full Delphi sources included. Excellent for learning.
Link: Download TinyPascal
P32
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: 32-bit systems Language: Pascal License: Open Source
Description: 32-bit Pascal compiler with Pascal source included.
PowerPascal
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive (OS/2) Platform: OS/2 2.0+ Language: Pascal License: Open Source
Description: Fully 32-bit native Pascal compiler for OS/2. Pascal source included.
Inno Pascal
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Win32 Language: Pascal subset License: GPL
Description: Simple Pascal compiler producing compact x86 executables without external assemblers/linkers. Written from scratch.
Link: https://github.com/smle/inno-pascal
๐ BASIC Compilers
BCX (Basic to C Converter)
Status: โ ๏ธ Archive Platform: Windows Language: BASIC (converts to C) License: Open Source
Description: BASIC to C compiler generating C source files compatible with MinGW/Dev-C++. Includes resource translator for Win32 resources.
Link: http://bcx-basic.sourceforge.net/
ScriptBasic
Status: โ ๏ธ Archive Platform: Windows, Linux Language: BASIC License: Open Source (full C source)
Description: Free embedded and extendable scripting BASIC interpreter. Great for embedding scripting in applications.
Link: http://www.scriptbasic.com/
Yabasic
Status: โ Still Available Platform: Windows, Linux Language: BASIC License: Open Source
Description: Small BASIC interpreter with source code for Visual C++ 6. Simple and educational.
Link: http://www.yabasic.de/
XBasic
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Windows 95/98/NT, Linux, Unix Language: Advanced BASIC (32/64-bit) License: Open Source
Description: Interactive program development environment with graphical GuiDesigner. Multi-platform portable source code.
Link: http://www.maxreason.com/software/xbasic/xbasic.html
Rapid-Q
Status: ๐๏ธ Discontinued Platform: Win32, Linux, Unix Language: BASIC License: Freeware
Description: Free BASIC compiler with easy integration of MySQL, CGI, DirectX, Direct3D, GTK, and more.
Link: http://rapidq.phatcode.net/
Historical Note: Rapid-Q was incredibly popular in the early 2000s for rapid GUI development.
B++
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Windows Language: BASIC (converts to C++) License: Open Source
Description: BASIC compiler built on C++ - converts BASIC to C++, then calls C++ compiler. Source in Free Pascal.
Link: https://sourceforge.net/projects/b-plus-plus/
Phoenix/Envelop
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Windows Language: BASIC License: Freeware
Description: Rapid development environment for BASIC.
Link: http://www.biz-wise.nl/phoenix_download.html
๐ Other Languages
Java Development Kit (JDK)
Status: โ Active Platform: All major platforms Language: Java License: GPL (OpenJDK)
Description: Official Java SDK and Runtime. The foundation of enterprise development.
Link: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: Java remains one of the top programming languages, powering Android apps and enterprise systems worldwide.
GNAT (GNU Ada)
Status: โ Active Platform: Multiple Language: Ada 95/2005/2012/2022 License: GPL
Description: Ada compiler from the GNU project. Source code available in Ada.
Link: https://www.adacore.com/community
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: Ada is still used in safety-critical systems: aerospace, defense, medical devices, and railway systems.
XSCompiler
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: MS-DOS (32-bit protected mode) Language: C-compatible with classes License: Open Source
Description: Generates 32-bit programs from C-compatible language with OOP. Includes graphics, sound, multitasking libraries.
Link: http://openecdk.sourceforge.net/
SmartEiffel (GNU Eiffel)
Status: โ ๏ธ Archived Platform: 25+ platforms including AIX, Linux, Windows, Mac Language: Eiffel License: GPL
Description: GNU compiler for Eiffel language. Requires ANSI C compiler. Extensive platform support.
Link: http://smarteiffel.loria.fr/
Self
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Linux (originally SunOS/Solaris) Language: Self (prototype-based OO) License: Open Source
Description: Port of Self language to Linux. Originally from Stanford/Sun, forms technological base of Java HotSpot.
Link: http://www.cichon.de/self
Historical Importance: Self pioneered Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation techniques later adopted by Java and JavaScript engines.
Harbour Project
Status: โ Active Platform: Multiple Language: Clipper/xBase License: GPL + Harbour Exception
Description: Open Source Clipper-compatible compiler with OO extensions. License doesnโt "infect" compiled programs.
Link: http://www.harbour-project.org/
Context Programming Language
Status: ๐๏ธ Educational Platform: MS-DOS Language: Context (custom language) License: Open Source
Description: Simple programming language and compiler with sources and sample programs by Andrei V. Khokhlov.
Link: http://www.avhohlov.narod.ru/engl010.htm
PlugSys Xbase Compiler
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: DOS/Windows, Linux Language: Xbase (dBase, Clipper) License: Free edition available
Description: Character-based compiler for Xbase. Same code compiles on DOS/Windows or Linux. Great documentation.
TopLogo++
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Windows Language: Logo License: Freeware
Description: IDE/compiler tool for Logo. Includes full documentation, demos, and help.
๐ ๏ธ Compiler Construction Tools
For the ambitious: build your own programming language!
โ๏ธ Parser & Lexer Generators
Bison & Flex
Status: โ Actively Maintained Platform: Unix/Linux (Windows via ports) Purpose: Parser and lexer generation License: GPL
Description: GNU versions of Yacc and Lex. Industry-standard tools for creating parsers and scanners for compilers.
Links:
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: Still the go-to tools for compiler construction in academic and professional settings.
TPYacc & TPLex
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Turbo Pascal Purpose: Parser and lexer for Pascal License: Open Source
Description: Port of Yacc and Lex to Turbo Pascal. Creates parsers and lexical scanners in Pascal.
Coco/R
Status: โ Still Available Platform: Multiple Languages: Oberon, Modula-2, Pascal, Delphi, C, Java, C# License: GPL
Description: Combines lex and yacc functionality into an easy-to-use recursive descent parser generator.
Link: http://www.ssw.uni-linz.ac.at/Coco/
Educational Value: Widely used in university compiler courses due to its simplicity and excellent documentation.
ANTLR (Another Tool for Language Recognition)
Status: โ Actively Maintained Platform: Java-based (generates Java or C++) License: BSD
Description: Powerful parser generator written in Java. Generates recognizers in Java or C++. Requires online registration.
Link: http://www.antlr.org/
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: ANTLR 4 is now industry-standard, used by major companies including Twitter, Oracle, and NetBeans IDE.
GENTLE Compiler Construction System
Status: โ ๏ธ Archive Platform: Multiple License: Requires GPL for applications
Description: Provides uniform framework for language recognition, AST definition, tree walkers, source-to-source translation, and optimal code selection.
Link: http://gentle.compilertools.net/
Note: Requires applications built with it to be GPL-licensed.
Jacc
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: C++ Purpose: LALR(1) parser generator License: Open Source
Description: General-purpose parser generator that produces C++ classes implementing parsers for LALR(1) grammars.
Delphi Compiler Generator
Status: ๐๏ธ Archive Platform: Win32 Language: Delphi License: Free for non-commercial use
Description: Runs on Win32, written in Delphi with full source code included.
๐ Tutorials & Learning Resources
Learn the art and science of compiler construction.
๐ "Letโs Build a Compiler" by Jack W. Crenshaw
Status: โ Classic Tutorial (Still Available) Format: 16-article series Level: Beginner-friendly Language: Pascal (concepts apply to any language)
Description: THE definitive tutorial on writing a simple compiler. Clear, practical, and entertaining. Walks you through building a real compiler from scratch.
Link: http://iecc.com/compilers/crenshaw/crenshaw-txt.zip
๐ฏ Still Relevant in 2025: This tutorial has taught generations of developers about compiler construction. The concepts are timeless.
Why Read This:
- Written for beginners
- Hands-on approach
- Explains why, not just how
- Fun to read (Jack has a great writing style)
๐ "Parsing Techniques: A Practical Guide"
Status: โ Classic Textbook Format: Book (PostScript/PDF available) Level: Academic/Comprehensive
Description: Comprehensive book covering parsing techniques. Essential reference for serious compiler developers.
Historical Note: One of the most comprehensive books on parsing techniques ever written.
๐ Archives & Community Resources
Where compiler developers gathered to share knowledge.
The comp.compilers Archive
Status: โ Active Archive Type: Usenet newsgroup archive
Description: Complete archive of the comp.compilers newsgroup, one of the longest-running programming discussions on the internet.
Link: http://www.iecc.com/compilers/
Historical Value:
๐ฌ This archive contains 30+ years of compiler discussions from the worldโs leading compiler experts. A goldmine of knowledge.
Compilers.net
Status: โ ๏ธ Status Unknown Type: Directory and search engine
Description: Directory and search machine dedicated to compilers and programming languages.
Link: http://www.compilers.net/
The Free Country - Developer City
Status: โ ๏ธ Possibly Moved/Changed Type: Developer resources directory
Description: Free programming resources including compilers, libraries, and tools.
Link: http://www.thefreecountry.com/developercity
๐ฏ Whatโs Still Relevant Today?
Not everything on this list has survived, but many projects continue to thrive:
โ Still Active & Widely Used:
- GCC - Powers Linux, Android, and more
- MinGW - Still the easiest way to use GCC on Windows
- Cygwin - Active Windows Unix environment
- Free Pascal - Powers Lazarus IDE
- Java JDK - Enterprise standard
- ANTLR - Industry-standard parser generator
- Bison & Flex - Standard compiler tools
๐๏ธ Historical But Educational:
- SmallC - Perfect for learning
- Letโs Build a Compiler - Timeless tutorial
- LCC - Academic reference implementation
- DJGPP - DOS development history
๐ Modern Alternatives:
- LLVM/Clang - Modern alternative to GCC
- Rust - Systems programming with memory safety
- Go - Simple, fast compilation
- TypeScript - JavaScript with types
- Swift - Modern, safe systems language
๐ก The Legacy of the Free Compiler Movement
Why This Era Mattered
The late 1990s and early 2000s represented a golden age for the free software movement:
Before this era:
- Professional compilers cost 500ใใซ-5,000ใใซ
- Learning to program required expensive tools
- Sharing code meant sharing expensive licenses
- Students had limited access to development tools
After this era:
- Free compilers became professional-grade
- Anyone with a computer could learn programming
- Open source projects exploded in number
- The modern software industry was born
The Dev-C++ Story
Dev-C++ was born from this movement. By combining the power of MinGW (GCC for Windows) with an accessible IDE, Dev-C++ democratized C++ programming on Windows. It proved that professional development tools could be completely free.
Impact:
- Used by millions of students worldwide
- Featured in dozens of C++ textbooks
- Remains a favorite in universities
- Inspired countless developers to create their own tools
๐ค Help Preserve This History
This archive represents an important part of computing history. You can help:
Report Dead Links
Found a link that no longer works? Contact us
Share Working Mirrors
Know where an old project has been archived? Let us know!
Save Software
Have archived copies of old compilers? Consider uploading to Archive.org
๐ Related Content
Continue your journey through Dev-C++ history:
- Dev-C++ Version History - The evolution of Dev-C++
- Getting Started with Dev-C++ - Modern setup guide
- DevPaks Guide - Extending Dev-C++ with libraries
- FAQ - Common questions answered
๐ Quick Reference Table
| Tool | Language | Platform | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCC | C/C++ | All | โ Active | Industry standard |
| MinGW | C/C++ | Windows | โ Active | Used in Dev-C++ |
| Cygwin | C/C++ | Windows | โ Active | Full Unix environment |
| Free Pascal | Pascal | All | โ Active | Powers Lazarus |
| DJGPP | C/C++ | DOS | ๐๏ธ Archive | Historical |
| LCC-Win32 | C | Windows | โ ๏ธ Archive | Lightweight |
| Open Watcom | C/C++/Fortran | Multiple | โ Open Source | Gaming history |
| Digital Mars | C/C++ | Windows | โ Available | Fast compilation |
| ANTLR | Parser Gen | Java-based | โ Active | Industry standard |
| Bison/Flex | Parser Gen | Unix/Linux | โ Active | Standard tools |
๐ For Educators
This archive is valuable for teaching:
Computer Science History
- Evolution of programming tools
- Open source movement origins
- Software accessibility history
Compiler Construction
- Classic learning tools (SmallC, TinyPascal)
- "Letโs Build a Compiler" tutorial
- Parser generator comparison
Programming Languages
- Language evolution and design
- Comparative language study
- Platform portability challenges
๐ Final Thoughts
This archive is more than just a list of old compilersโitโs a testament to the power of community, open source, and the belief that programming should be accessible to everyone.
Every tool on this list represents:
- ๐จ Creativity - Someoneโs vision for making programming better
- ๐ช Dedication - Hours of unpaid development work
- ๐ค Generosity - Sharing knowledge freely with the world
- ๐ Innovation - Pushing boundaries of whatโs possible
The spirit that created these tools continues today in projects like:
- LLVM/Clang
- Rust
- Go
- VS Code
- And thousands of open source projects
Last Updated: January 29, 2025
This archive is maintained by the Dev-C++ community. We welcome corrections, additions, and updates.
Legend: โ Active | โ ๏ธ Archive/Uncertain | ๐๏ธ Historical/Educational | ๐ Modern Alternative Available
๐ฌ Contact & Contributions
Have information to add? Found a broken link? Want to share your story?
Email: webmaster@bloodshed.net
Subject Line Format: [free-comp-list] Your Topic
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." - Alan Kay
Thank you to all the developers who made these tools and shared them freely with the world. Your work changed lives. โค๏ธ