Assembler/Compiler for new processor family

[hamids]

Hi all,

recently when intel launched new Core family processor, all its mac product line computer had to boot in I386 mode, but soon enough Apple released kernel compatible to Core or Nehlam core .


the chip manufacturing company -Intel, AMD, etc- constantly come up with new processor families, which either supercede earlier product line or totally different technology.

I wonder how compiler /assembler  are keep up with the progress in H/W technology. optimize performance instead doling out legacy code only

[hutch--]

Probably much the same as anyone else, they download the Intel manuals for each new release. It is most probably the case that major compiler companies have existing arrangments with both Intel and AMD to get the processor info as early as possible.

[donkey]

Open a developer account at Intel and like the rest of us you will get emails and technical specs on upcoming products.

[hamids]

Probably much the same as anyone else, they download the Intel manuals for each new release. It is most probably the case that major compiler companies have existing arrangments with both Intel and AMD to get the processor info as early as possible.

in that case do they have to start from the scratch  or the add new code leveraging on the new features ?

[hutch--]

There is probably no generalisable answer to your question but as would be the case with most, they upgrade their compilers on a needs basis for processor features.

[Twister]

The developers get the document specifications, private hardware for testing from the companies before the public release.

They add new features, take some out, optimize others; you will see most of that in the change logs.

[clive]

I wonder how compiler /assembler  are keep up with the progress in H/W technology. optimize performance instead doling out legacy code only

We read the technical reference manuals and documentation.

Even before the existence of a specific piece of hardware it is possible to write cross assemblers and compilers that can target wholly different architectures than the host.

[vanjast]

Open a developer account at Intel and like the rest of us you will get emails and technical specs on upcoming products.

I've learn't something new today.. thank you... woooff  :green2