I am a faculty member at a university, and the main reason I initiated this project was to create a practical learning environment for my students. I have noticed that many tools labeled as 'C compilers' only partially implement the C language, which has been a source of frustration for me. My goal is to demonstrate how to build a basic C compiler and enhance it to include some key features of the C99 standard, as well as optimization strategies commonly found in contemporary optimizing compilers. Despite its modest size, this project is robust and capable of self-hosting, meaning that students have the opportunity to develop an optimizing compiler that can compile its own code, progressively refining it for improved instruction per cycle (IPC) and better code density. Unable to find an existing one that met these expectations, I wrote a new one with my students.
