The objc distribution includes "VICI", an interactive Objective-C debugger and the compiler "objc" that can interpret code.
One of the unique features of the Objective C Runtime Library for "objc" is that it is a modern, portable, and "all C" Objective C runtime, which eliminates the need for assembly language or a dependency on stack layout, register allocation conventions, and so on. It is worth noting that most other runtimes are derived from pre-"all C" Stepstone runtimes, distinguishing "objcrt" from the competition.
The "objc" distribution also comprises "objpak," the "Object Pak" Objective C Collection Classes, which are a simple, powerful set of classes that are highly portable. These classes can be used to develop with different compilers, and then port with 'objc'. This library is compatible with ICpak101, the collection class library described in Brad Cox's book, and used by existing Objective-C packages developed with the Stepstone objc.
Another library included in Objc distribution is "cakit," the "Computer Algebra Kit" Objective C classes. These are small, compact, and provide an interface to a wide range of classes for polynomial computing and arbitrary precision integer arithmetic. The distribution also includes the source of compiler and "oclib," a set of Objective C classes for parsing C, and the Objective C extensions to C.
Both "objc" and "vici" are written in Objective C, which makes the entire program completely portable. Any Objective C compiler should be able to compile the "objc" compiler. From time to time, the developers ensure that their sources are still compatible with e.g., Stepstone Objective C compiler, by trying a configure with other Objective-C compilers.
It is worth mentioning that the distribution does not include a C compiler. Therefore, users must find a compatible C compiler before they can use the "objc" distribution. The objective of the developers is to make "objc" work with as many C compilers as possible. On UNIX systems, the free "gcc" compiler is a possibility, as well as the "lcc" compiler, or the "tcc" TDF compiler system.
Installing the "objc" distribution is simple. Users must read the Install.txt file and start by installing the bootstrap package. It is imperative to note that if this is a first-time installation, users must install the bootstrap package first before installing this package. Every release comes with an objc-x.y.z.tar.gz package and an objc-x.y.z-bootstrap.tar.gz package.
Version 3.2.8: N/A