building a cross compiler in windows for i586-elf

[nvrmnd]

I'm using mingw and i want to build a cross compiler for i586-elf for use w/ my
dream os ( http://wiki.osdev.org/GCC_Cross-Compiler )

However the page doesn't give instructions for windows w/c is really unfair!
And almost all the site on the net assumes you are using linux and if not, at least
Cygwin

How can i possibly make a cross compiler on windows ???? ( using mingw )
( I already downloaded binutils.tar.bz2 and gcc.tar.bz2 )

And why do this site's tutorial: http://mikeos.berlios.de/write-your-own-os.html
doesn't actually used a cross compiler for the os to run ?

Is a cross compiler really necessary ?

[nvrmnd]

bump ?

[nvrmnd]

bump

[LB]

Building a compiler, let alone a cross compiler, is incredibly challenging. I haven't succeed. Building on Windows, where nothing can be built, is even more challenging!

My recommendation: use VirtualBox to run Linux, and build the cross compiler there.

[Catfish666]

If you want to build your own operating system, it may be best to just install and use Linux. In my experience, Windows is inadequate for this sort of work.

[NUj6URfi]

I would try building a interpreter before I try making a compiler.

[Garion]

I thought mingw was a port of the GCC compiler to windows.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MinGW

The regular version is really easy to install and use. Even for somebody like me with no experience.

I had trouble getting Boost to work on it but JLBorge provided me a link with precompiled libraries in it and I got it to work.

I'm sure it would have been easier if I had any experience at all with IDE's and compilers but the best way to learn is keep trying.

If you want a link check it out here. This particular version has quite a few libraries precompiled.

http://nuwen.net/mingw.html

[LB]

@Garion: Look up "cross compiler".

[Garion]

I see, thank you. It seems I had some misconceptions about how mingw actually worked.

[LB]

It seems you still do, because MinGW has nothing to do with cross compilation. It may have been built by a cross compiler, though.

[S6k9GNh0]

Actualy, MinGW does have to do with cross compiling as it's what's used on Linux to compile PE binaries.

[nvrmnd]

*Sigh*, after 2 days of insanity, I'VE SUCCESSFULLY BUILD IT !!! yey !!!

Actually i have a burried linux distro in my laptop ( slitaz ), w/c it thought is useless compared to windows,
but now, i've realized the true potential of it !!

bye bye Windows !!!

Oh, and tnx to L B and catfish for telling me to use linux