distributed compilation with gcc: distcc

[Martin Pool <mbp at samba dot org>]

I've written a small wrapper around gcc that allows the work of
compilation to be distributed across several machines on a network.

  http://distcc.samba.org/

Scalability is quite good: with 3 equal machines, compilation is
typically 2.5 times faster.  (Obviously the number will vary depending
on the code, machines, network, etc.)  In other words, a project that
normally builds in 45 minutes might be built in 15, just using spare
machines that you may already have in your office.

distcc does not require shared filesystems, a kernel patch, root
access, a gcc patch, and in general does not require modifications to
your source or Makefiles.  It has a reasonably complete manual and a
test suite.  It supports cross-compilation and clusters of
heterogenous machines.

Anyone who remembers this post will be relieved to hear that distcc is
considerably smaller and simpler.

  http://gcc.gnu.org/ml/gcc/2001-02/msg00378.html

It's early days, but distcc seems to successfully build several large
projects including the Linux kernel, KDE, Samba and GARNOME.  I hear
it works well with hairy C++ ASN.1 code, and can build gcc.

Please check it out if you have a chance, and let me know what you
think.

-- 
Martin 
(i'm not subscribed; please cc me on replies)