Which is better: Clang or GCC?

Which is better: Clang or GCC?

Both Clang and GCC are powerful compilers, but they have different strengths. Clang is known for its fast compilation and excellent error messages, while GCC has a longer history and broader platform support. It often depends on your specific needs.

What are the main differences in performance?

Performance can vary based on the code and the optimization flags used. Generally, Clang may produce faster binaries for certain workloads, while GCC might excel in others. Benchmarking your specific application is the best way to determine which is faster.

Are there any licensing differences?

Yes, GCC is released under the GPL license, which has certain restrictions on redistribution. Clang, on the other hand, is part of the LLVM project and is released under the more permissive University of Illinois/NCSA Open Source License.

Which one should I use for a new project?

It depends on your project's requirements. If you need fast compilation and great diagnostics, Clang might be the way to go. If you need extensive platform support and mature optimizations, GCC could be better.