IBM developerWorks has published a 17-page tutorial on building a cross compiler for Linux using the GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) within the general context of building an environment for bridging applications to different targets. Author Martin C. Brown describes the basics of compilers and gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to build, configure, install and use a cross compiler. He caps off the document with a list of additional resources.

According to Brown, building a cross compiler requires source code for the relevant tools, header files for the target platform, and, of course, a C compiler. Regarding the latter: “GCC is generally a good idea,” Brown says.

The tutorial's prerequisites include “a basic knowledge of the build process of a typical UNIX open source project, some basic shell skills, and a lot of patience.”

A PDF file containing the tutorial appears to be available here, although IBM requests that you register and access the tutorial here.

 
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