Clang definition

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Definition

Clang /ˈklæŋ/ is a compiler front end for the C, C++, Objective-C and Objective-C++ programming languages, as well as the OpenMP, OpenCL, RenderScript and CUDA frameworks.

It uses the LLVM compiler infrastructure as its back end and has been part of the LLVM release cycle since LLVM 2.6.

It is designed to act as a drop-in replacement for the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), supporting most of its compilation flags and unofficial language extensions.

Its contributors include Apple, Microsoft, Google, ARM, Sony, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

It is open-source software, with source code released under the University of Illinois/NCSA License, a permissive free software licence.

The Clang project includes the Clang front end, a static analyzer and several code analysis tools

Why ?

Development of the new front-end was started out of a need for a compiler that allows better diagnostics, better integration with IDEs, a license that is compatible with commercial products, and a nimble compiler that is easy to develop and maintain. All of these were motivations for starting work on a new front-end that could meet these needs.

For a more detailed comparison between Clang and other compilers, please see the Clang comparison page