ccbin

ccbin is a term used to denote the C/C++ compiler binary used by certain build tools. It is most widely encountered as the -ccbin option in the Emscripten toolchain, which targets WebAssembly and JavaScript. The option allows you to specify the path or name of the C/C++ compiler binary that Emscripten should invoke when compiling C or C++ sources.

In practice, -ccbin gives users control over which compiler is used during the translation process. By default, Emscripten selects a system-provided compiler (often clang++, depending on the platform). Supplying -ccbin with a specific compiler, such as clang++ or gcc, enables you to enforce a particular compiler version or feature set, which can affect compatibility, optimization, and behavior of the generated output.

Usage examples include commands like: emcc -ccbin clang++ hello.c -o hello.js, or emcc -ccbin /usr/bin/gcc-9 hello.cpp -o hello.js. The option is especially useful in environments with multiple toolchains installed or when a project requires a specific compiler configuration to meet build or performance requirements.

Limitations and scope: the term ccbin is not a universal standard across all C/C++ toolchains. It is a convention associated with certain systems, most notably Emscripten, and should be used in accordance with the documentation for the specific build environment. See Emscripten documentation for detailed guidance on the -ccbin option and its interaction with the rest of the toolchain.