Which Compiler?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Software Development
1

I started using the latest version of AVR GCC today: gcc version 4.3.3 (WinAVR 20100110). So far, I've only needed to make one change (move avrdude.conf file). The compiled programs are smaller but otherwise seem to run exactly the same.

Anyone else try a different version of AVR GCC with Arduino?

2

Anyone else try a different version of AVR GCC with Arduino?

Not within my capabilities. I have noticed that several times there is a GCC upgrade into a new Arduino release there seems to be some function(s) or library(s) that ends up broken. I think the Arduino developers group is working on a automated testing suite project to make new releases more bug free.

Still might end up with strange new problems with newer AVRDUDE, GCC, Processing releases etc. It seems the the Arduino platform which builds on top of so many other independent projects can be quite the task to make sure nothing breaks with each release. I sure appreciate the effort they do put into the project.

Lefty

3

Thanks for the reply.

Not within my capabilities

Oh, but it is! This is what I did...

  • Shutdown Arduino
  • Download WinAVR
  • Install WinAVR (I installed to "C:\WinAVR")
  • Navigate to "{ArduinoRoot}\hardware\tools"
  • There should be an "avr" directory there. Rename it. (e.g. "avr (old)")
  • Create a new "avr" directory
  • Move (or copy) the entire contents of WinAVR ("C:\WinAVR") to the "avr" directory ("{ArduinoRoot}\hardware\tools\avr")
  • Create an "etc" directory under the "avr" directory ("{ArduinoRoot}\hardware\tools\avr\etc")
  • Locate the "avrdude.conf" file in the new avr directory ("{ArduinoRoot}\hardware\tools\avr") (I think it was in "bin")
  • Move "avrdude.conf" to the "etc" directory ("{ArduinoRoot}\hardware\tools\avr\etc")

That's it. Install and move some stuff around. Arduino will use whatever toolset is in the "{ArduinoRoot}\hardware\tools\avr" directory. If you want to go back to the original toolset...

  • Shutdown Arduino
  • Rename the "avr" directory (e.g. rename "avr" to "avr (new)")
  • Rename the old avr directory ("avr (old)") to "avr"

That's it. Just swap the two avr directories.

I have noticed that several times there is a GCC upgrade into a new Arduino release there seems to be some function(s) or library(s) that ends up broken.

That's been my concern. But I don't have much choice. There's a bug in the linker / libraries that makes it difficult (sometimes impossible) to use the full 8K of Flash on ATtiny85 processors.

I think the Arduino developers group is working on a automated testing suite project to make new releases more bug free.

They are.

I sure appreciate the effort they do put into the project.

I do too!