---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash C Compilers on Solaris 2.0 Q&A SunFLASH Vol 40 #19 April 1992 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is an article that explains why Sun will not bundle the SunPro C compiler into Solaris 2.0. Note that a free GNU C compiler will be distributed on CDware, so Sun/Solaris users will have access to a free C compiler. -johnj ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- IS SUN GOING TO UNBUNDLE THE C COMPILER ON SOLARIS 2.0? Yes, starting with Solaris 2.0, SMCC will no longer bundle any compiler with the operating system. WHAT IS THE RATIONALE FOR THIS DECISION? 1. A compiler is no longer required to build or customize the SVR4 kernel. The use of dynamically linked libraries makes a compiler unnecessary. 2. A compiler has value. The Sun C compiler especially has value in that it now has ANSI support and leading SPARC optimization. Future versions will add additional features such as superscalar (SuperSPARC) support. If the compiler is bundled, then everybody is paying for it. 3. Not all users need a c compiler. If we bundle a compiler, then all users are paying for it-not just those who need it. We estimate the following: About 18% of customers Serious C programmers--developers who code for a living. About 30% of customers Casual users--compile and run, but do minimal changes to source code. This means that over half (52%) of Sun customers do not need a c compiler. If a compiler were to be bundled with Solaris 2.0, then the PRICE FOR SOLARIS 2.0 WOULD BE HIGHER--for everyone. 4. By unbundling, Sun also opens up Solaris/SPARC to other compiler vendors so that all may compete on a level playing field. The benefit will be more choices for customers. For example: there are many different kinds of compilers in the marketplace today: - Compilers that produce optimized code - Compilers that compile quickly - Incremental compilers - Interpreters - Low cost, compilers (for casual use) By unbundling, Sun is leveling the playing field for all compiler vendors. The customer can chose the product that is right for them. Already, several third party c compiler products are committed for delivery on Solaris 2.0: Cygnus Software gnu c Lucid C, C++ Centerline (Sabre) C, C++ IS THIS DECISION FINAL? Yes, the decision to unbundle is final. Pricing, promotions, and upgrades have not yet been finalized. More information will be published as it becomes available. DOES THIS MEAN I WILL HAVE TO PAY $2,000 FOR A SUN C COMPILER? No. Pricing, promotions and upgrade policies have not yet been finalized. The following measures are planned to make this transition easier: - The compiler and tools will be offered seperately. Today the compilers and tools together cost $2,000. The price of a compiler alone will be less. - Sun Compilers and tools will have floating licenses. This means that if you have a group of 20 developers, you may need only 10 or 15 licenses (for example) depending on the intensity of your use. This effectively lowers the cost of compilers and tools for workgroups. - Special upgrade incentives will be offered. I JUST WANT TO COMPILE AND RUN. I DON'T WRITE SOURCE. I DON'T NEED A HIGHLY OPTIMIZED COMPILER. WHERE CAN I GET A FREE COMPILER? Cygnus Software of Palo Alto has stated publicly that they intend to provide a free gnu c compiler for SPARC. It is their plan to make this compiler available on Volume 4 of CDware that is due out in September 1992. This means that every SPARC system will ship with a free compiler on the CDware disk. This shoule be a good solution for users who need take source off of internet and compile them for use at their sites. Cygnus also offers support for a fee. [Note that Cygnus is an independent company. For official confirmation of release dates and schedules, please contact Cygnus.] WHY DOESN'T SUN PROVIDE A FREE COMPILER? Sun is focusing its resources on the needs of the professional developer. Our development priorities will be driven towards compiler optimization, excellent edit/compile/debug tools and group software productivity tools. The needs of the casual c user who needs to compile and run rather than create source code will be met excellently by third party products (such as Cygnus). WHAT ABOUT SOLARIS 2.0 BETA CUSTOMERS? DO THEY HAVE TO PAY? No, beta versions of the compilers and some beta tools will be included in the Solaris 2.0 beta release. You can get them from your Area Boss for Operation Commitment. HOW CAN SUN CALL ITSELF OPEN IF C ISN'T BUNDLED? The question should be, "How could Sun call itself open if it *did* bundle C?" Bundling is the antithesis of openness. One goal of open systems is to level the playing field for all who want to develop. Who would want to develop a C compiler for Sun if we bundle a C compiler for free with every system? By unbundling, Sun is opening up Solaris/SPARC to all the compiler vendors in the market. Solaris/SPARC will have the volume to attract leadership products. There are a lot of possibilities: - Low cost compilers - Fast incremental compilers - Highly optimized compilers - EZ programming environment compilers The customer will get to chose and that is what open systems are all about; choices. WILL UNBUNDLING REALLY BENEFIT CUSTOMERS? A quote from an independent source is probably the best reply: "Regarding the unbundling of the C compiler on Solaris 2.0, I am just suprised that people aren't yet viewing it as a chance to get compilers from *compiler* companies rather than being stuck with the Sun SPARC compilers (which are actually quite good). When DOS came without compilers vendors jumped in with their own, and the overall state of the software development improved dramatically because of the competition. Perhaps that's just what *is* needed for us to get better comilers and software development technologies. Besides, there's always gcc from the Free Software Foundation..." Dave Taylor SunWorld Magazine ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu, paris.cs.miami.edu, uunet.uu.net, src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.