Intel Corp. is upgrading its software designed to make it easier for developers to build and run applications on Intel technology.
Intel on Tuesday rolled out Version 7.0 of Intel C++ Compilers for Windows and Linux and Version 7.0 of Intel Fortran Compilers for Windows and Linux.
Compilers are used to translate a programming language—in these cases, C++ and Fortran—into language that a processor understands. The more efficient the compiler, the better the application performance, according to Intel officials, in Santa Clara, Calif. The chip makers new compilers can be used for either its 32- or 64-bit architecture, particularly applications built for its Itanium 2, Pentium 4 and Xeon processors.
The updated compilers will enable developers to take advantage of new Intel technologies, particularly hyperthreading, which enables a single processor to run as two virtual chips.
The new compilers support key features of Compaq Visual Fortran, including integration into Microsoft Corp.s Visual Studio and command line compatibility. The Linux version includes GNU compatibility to C++. Because of the compatibility, developers can more easily determine how their applications will run on Intel architecture.
The new compilers also include optional auto-parallelization capabilities that automatically search applications for ways to create multiple execution threads, which can be done simultaneously. They also enhance support for OpenMP, an industry standard that enables developers to simplify the process of creating and managing multi-threaded software.
"The applications that are particularly demanding on the CPUs are the ones that can be greatly speeded up by Intels compilers," said Bill Savage, director of Intels compiler laboratory in the companys Software Products Division.
The C++ compilers for Windows and Linux are available now, starting at $399 each. The Fortran compilers also are available immediately, starting at $499 for Windows and $699 for Linux.