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So, you are arguing that It's easier to download the source and compile it yourself than downloading the compiler?
by danybittel 2y ago
So, you are arguing that It's easier to download the source and compile it yourself than downloading the compiler?
- kazinator 2y agoThe goal is to boostrap the compiler. So we need two things: the source code, and the compiler which understands it. If the compiler which understands it is in some widely used language, things are easier because we likely already have it. If we don't have it, it's likely nicely packaged. We also likely have it on a platform where that language we are trying to build has not been ported. That gives us a big head start in porting.
- nilamo 2y agoIf the compiler exists only as a binary, and you cannot compile it yourself, how can you be sure what the compiler is actually doing?
- pjmlp 2y agoAs proven by Ken Thompson, unless you are a security guru, having source code won't help.