Which Go compiler is right for you: `gc` or `gccgo`?

Understanding the Differences Between 'gc' and 'gccgo' Compilers

When working with Go, developers often encounter the choice between the 'gc' and 'gccgo' compilers. Both tools serve as frontends for compiling Go code, but they exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of performance, optimization, and system requirements.

Build Performance

'gc' is known for its fast compilation speed, while 'gccgo' tends to take longer due to its focus on advanced optimizations. This difference becomes more noticeable with larger codebases.

Run-Time Performance

'gccgo' generally generates code that runs faster than 'gc', particularly for CPU-bound applications. Its use of more aggressive optimizations results in improved performance in computationally demanding scenarios.

Command Line Options

Both 'gc' and 'gccgo' provide similar command line options, but there are subtle variations. For instance, 'gccgo' offers the '-mcpu' option to specify specific CPU targets, granting control over processor-specific optimizations.

Licensing

'gc' is licensed under the BSD 3-Clause License, while 'gccgo' is part of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) project and released under the GNU General Public License (GPL). The GPL license imposes certain legal requirements and restrictions on the distribution and modification of compiled code.

Processor Support

'gc' supports only the most common processors, x86 and ARM. On the other hand, 'gccgo' is more versatile, leveraging the underlying capabilities of GCC to support a wider range of architectures, including SPARC, MIPS, PowerPC, and Alpha. This makes it a suitable choice for embedded and cross-platform development.

Current Status and Limitations

It's important to note that 'gccgo' currently supports up to Go version 1.2, while 'gc' has evolved to support the latest versions of Go. This discrepancy may present compatibility issues if working with newer Go language features. Additionally, as mentioned by Mozilla's Brad Fitzpatrick, 'gccgo' lacks escape analysis capabilities, which can affect performance in scenarios involving frequent memory allocations.

Conclusion

The choice between 'gc' and 'gccgo' ultimately depends on project requirements and preferences. 'gc' offers faster build times and comprehensive processor support, while 'gccgo' shines with its advanced optimizations and broader processor compatibility. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine the optimal compiler for specific development needs.

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