Cross Compiling Clarity

I have an important distinction to make clear... Cross Compiling is using a machine with a different processor type than the target machine for your program.

So, you have a PC with an Intel Core 2 Duo in it, and you use a compiler to output an ARM executable, that is cross compiling.

If you're on an Intel Core Duo toting 15" MacBook pro (from 2006) and you use that to produce the same ARM executable, that's still cross-compiling.  BUT if you use that MacBook to generate a windows executable it's not cross compiling, as the processor is the same in both targets, you're not crossing over...

Some folks argue this differently, because you're crossing between the Windows and Apple OS's you're cross-compiling.  In my book, and by the definition given elsewhere, you're not, in this case you are cross-platform (the platform being the OS) but you're not cross compiling because the processors are the same family.

That's all, I just wanted this out there, argue as you all see fit.

Microsoft grab hold of ARM

So, I've just read this little ditty from the BBC, and others. And I find it interesting, but quite a worry.

If you own a mobile phone then you are pretty much guarentee'd to own an ARM chip, the history of which goes back into the dark, ignored, depths of the British Home Computing revolution in the late 70's and early 80's.

The ARM architecture actually evolved out of the chips used in the BBC/Acorn Computers most British School kids will remember from school.

I find it interesting Microsoft have finally logged into this technology, they've been toying, prodding, caressing the mobile market for years, with limited success. I myself have a mobile powered by Windows Mobile Software, and I'm affraid to say it is rubbish.

I've heard good things about Windows 7 Mobile, I've certainly myself seen excellent things with Windows 7 and Windows Embedded Standard 7. So, lets hope that licensing ARM points Microsoft in the direction to actually get to grips with what they do best, and that is making good robust operating environments for hardware for the masses.

Especially when Microsoft has always left hardware products as an after thought and they've never enjoyed great success with their Kin device.