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The GNU Compiler Collection includes front ends for C, C++, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Ada, and Go, as well as libraries for these languages (libstdc++, libgcj,...). GCC was originally written as the compiler for the GNU operating system. The GNU system was developed to be 100% free software, free in the sense that it respects the user's freedom.

We strive to provide regular, high quality releases, which we want to work well on a variety of native and cross targets (including GNU/Linux), and encourage everyone to contribute changes or help testing GCC. Our sources are readily and freely available via SVN and weekly snapshots.

GCC development is a part of the GNU Project, aiming to improve the compiler used in the GNU system including the GNU/Linux variant. The GCC development effort uses an open development environment and supports many other platforms in order to foster a world-class optimizing compiler, to attract a larger team of developers, to ensure that GCC and the GNU system work on multiple architectures and diverse environments, and to more thoroughly test and extend the features of GCC.

Free Software Project

* Supporting the goals of the GNU project, as defined by the FSF.
* Compilers are available under the terms of the GPL.
* Copyrights for the compilers are to be held by the FSF.
* Other components (runtime libraries, testsuites, etc) will be available under various free licenses with copyrights being held by individual authors or the FSF.
* All legal relationships with contributors and users are the responsibility of the FSF.
* Patches must be legally acceptable for inclusion into the GNU project.

Design and Development Goals

* New languages
* New optimizations
* New targets
* Improved runtime libraries
* Faster debug cycle
* Various other infrastructure improvements

Open Development Environment

* Encourage cooperation and communication between developers.
* Work more closely with "consumers".
* Code available to everyone at any time, and everyone is welcome to participate in development.
o Patches will be considered equally based on their technical merits.
o All individuals and companies are welcome to contribute as long as they accept the groundrules.
* Open mailing lists.
* Developer friendly tools and procedures (i.e., cvs, multiple maintainers, etc).