Flash C

Flash C is a compact C compiler combined with a DOS-style text-mode integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for Linux x86-64 systems. It allows seamless compilation of ANSI C code (C89) into native executables, eliminating the need for a traditional assembler, linker, or C library, thereby simplifying the development process.

Key Features

• Integrated Toolchain: All essential development tools, including a text editor, compiler, linker, runtime library, debugger, and comprehensive help documentation, are included.
• Optimized Performance: Offers 48 switchable optimization techniques such as constant folding, global data-flow analysis, SSA, loop optimization, and more to enhance executable performance. Detailed optimization strategies are elaborated in the Optimizations document.
• Source-Level Debugging: Features a powerful debugger that supports breakpoints and an expression evaluator, facilitating efficient troubleshooting directly within the IDE.
• Selective Linking: The linker includes only the library functions required by the program, resulting in smaller executable sizes.
• User-Friendly Diagnostics: Provides simple error messages, such as Error hello.c 5: Undefined symbol 'x' in function main, which help in locating issues quickly.
• Extensive Online Help: Integrated online help with examples provides guidance on IDE usage, the C language, and every library function, improving developer support.

Quick Start

To get started with Flash C, download the latest release from the Releases page. The unpacked folder can be executed directly or installed for easier access:

cd flash-c-*/
./install.sh  # Installs to ~/.local or run with root privileges for /usr/local

Alternatively, it can be built from source:

make  # Compiles the IDE and compiler
./build/fc hello.c  # Opens or creates the hello.c file in the IDE
./build/fcc hello.c  # Compiles the code directly, producing ./hello
./hello  # Runs the executable

Within the IDE, press F2 to save, F9 to compile, and Ctrl+F9 to run the code. The Message window provides immediate feedback on errors, allowing developers to navigate directly to the problematic line.

Documentation

Documentation is available for detailed guidance on using the IDE, compiler options, library functions, and internal architecture. Key documents include:

• User Guide: Covers IDE features, menus, navigation, projects, and debugging.
• Compiler Reference: Details compiler switches, language support, and diagnostics.
• Library Reference: An overview of runtime library functions with respective implementations.

Project Structure

The Flash C project is organized into several directories, each dedicated to specific components:

src/compiler/   # Contains the compiler components
src/ide/        # Implements the IDE functionalities
runtime/        # Houses the runtime library
...
docs/           # Includes documentation and screenshots

Flash C aims to replicate the usability of classic DOS-era C IDEs while integrating advanced compiler optimization techniques, making it an effective tool for C programming on modern Linux systems. Contributions and feedback are always welcome, fostering continuous improvement and community involvement.