“GCC 15: What’s New and What’s Coming for Compilers”
The GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) 15 update is progressing smoothly, with several exciting developments set to enhance various programming languages and architectures. Among the most notable changes is the introduction of a new front-end for COBOL, a language still integral to legacy systems in various industries. This update is expected to provide greater flexibility and efficiency for COBOL development, particularly for systems that rely heavily on the language for long-term stability. COBOL’s integration into GCC will allow developers to use a free software compiler for a language that has been deeply embedded in business-critical software for decades.
As GCC 15 approaches its production release, which is scheduled for late April or early May, the team is currently in the regression-fixing stage (Stage 4). Richard Biener, a release manager for GCC, has indicated that the official release date will depend on resolving priority one regressions from GCC 14. This ongoing effort will ensure that GCC 15 is stable and ready for widespread use, particularly in the development of C and C++ applications.
For C and C++ developers, GCC 15 brings several important updates. The C compiler will now default to C23 instead of C17, bringing the compiler in line with the latest standard. The C++ compiler and its standard library will begin incorporating features from C++23 and even some early elements from C++26. Additionally, improvements in C++20 modules will make them more usable, thanks to advancements in both the compiler and tooling. Biener has expressed optimism about GCC 15, especially for C++ development, calling it “a really good release.”
The support for RISC-V architecture continues to evolve in GCC 15, with significant progress in vectorization and overall architecture compatibility. This is a crucial development for the growing number of applications using RISC-V, particularly in embedded systems and custom silicon designs. Despite the excitement around these updates, not all proposed changes made it into GCC 15. A front-end for Algol 68, a historically significant programming language, was considered but ultimately did not pass the steering committee’s review. While Algol 68 may not have widespread practical or commercial relevance, it is expected to make its way into GCC 16 at a later date, further expanding the collection’s historical language support.
Overall, GCC 15 promises to be a milestone release for the open-source community, providing critical updates and tools for modern software development while also preserving support for legacy systems. Whether you’re working in C, C++, or COBOL, this release brings enhancements that cater to a broad spectrum of developers and system architectures.