Native Compiler

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What Does Native Compiler Mean?

A native compiler is a compiler that works on compilation for the same technology on which it runs. It uses the same operating system or platform as the software for which it is assembling machine language.

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Developers may recommend different native compiler options for different use cases involving languages like Java and C+. In evaluating a project, programmers might believe that the only benefit of using a native compiler is to prevent reverse engineering or for better code security. Other times, native compilers can have an impact on user experience because code can load more quickly. Within the IT community, professionals often ask one another about whether a native compiler is a good idea, and which specific native compiler options may be best for a development project.

Techopedia Explains Native Compiler

One way to understand a native compiler is by contrasting it with a cross compiler, which may compile code for programs running on different platforms. One use of cross compilers is in compiling programs for different hardware devices that may have their own respective platforms. In some cases, using a native compiler can provide significant benefits.

Common benefits of native compilation in some programming languages include better execution or load speed, as well as better inherent security. However, native compiler strategies do limit deployment to a single platform, which may be a drawback in some cases.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.