# Watcom C/C++ compiler

> Commercial product for developing code

**Wikidata**: [Q1059708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1059708)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watcom_C/C++)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/watcom-c-c-compiler

## Summary
The Watcom C/C++ compiler is a software development tool originally developed as a commercial product by Watcom, now available as free and open-source software under the Sybase Open Watcom Public License. It supports the development of 16/32-bit applications for platforms like DOS, Windows, and OS/2, and includes support for C, C++, and Fortran. The project transitioned to open source in 2003 and remains maintained by the Open Watcom community.

## Key Facts
- **Initial Developer**: Watcom
- **Current License**: Sybase Open Watcom Public License (open-source)
- **Latest Version**: 1.9 (released June 2, 2010)
- **Supported Platforms**: DOS, Windows, OS/2, Linux (16/32-bit systems)
- **Programming Languages**: C, C++, Fortran
- **Classification**: Compiler, Integrated Development Environment (IDE), free software
- **Website**: http://www.openwatcom.org/
- **Aliases**: Open Watcom, Watcom C, OpenWatcom
- **Inception (Open Source)**: January 8, 2003

## FAQs
### Q: Is the Watcom C/C++ compiler still commercially sold?
A: No, it transitioned to open-source software in 2003 under the Sybase Open Watcom Public License and is freely available.

### Q: What platforms does the Watcom C/C++ compiler support?
A: It supports 16/32-bit application development for DOS, Windows, OS/2, and Linux, among others.

### Q: Does Watcom C/C++ support languages other than C and C++?
A: Yes, it also supports Fortran, reflecting its origins as a multi-language development tool.

## Why It Matters
The Watcom C/C++ compiler played a significant role in software development for DOS, early Windows, and OS/2 systems, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. Its optimization capabilities and support for 16/32-bit architectures made it a preferred tool for applications requiring high performance. The transition to open source in 2003 ensured its continued relevance, allowing developers to maintain legacy systems and compile code for embedded or retro computing environments. It remains a notable example of commercial software repurposed for community-driven development, preserving compatibility with older platforms while adapting to modern open-source practices.

## Notable For
- **Multi-Platform Support**: Enabled development for DOS, Windows, OS/2, and Linux on 16/32-bit systems.
- **Optimization Focus**: Known for generating efficient machine code, critical for resource-constrained environments.
- **Fortran Integration**: Included support for Fortran alongside C and C++, catering to scientific and engineering applications.
- **Open-Source Transition**: One of the earlier commercial compilers to adopt an open-source model, ensuring long-term accessibility.
- **Legacy System Maintenance**: Continues to serve niche communities working with vintage hardware or embedded systems.

## Body
### History
- Originally developed by Watcom, a Canadian software company.
- Acquired by Sybase in 1994, which later released the compiler under an open-source license in 2003.
- The first open-source release occurred on January 8, 2003, with ongoing updates through community contributions.

### Technical Features
- **Compilers**: Includes C, C++, and Fortran compilers.
- **IDE**: Provides an integrated development environment with debugging and profiling tools.
- **Cross-Platform**: Supports compiling for multiple operating systems from a single codebase.
- **Optimization**: Offers advanced code optimization for 16/32-bit processors.

### Licensing
- **Current License**: Sybase Open Watcom Public License, approved as open-source.
- **Restrictions**: Permits free use, modification, and distribution, ensuring compatibility with open-source principles.

### Legacy
- **Community Maintenance**: Actively maintained by volunteers through the Open Watcom project.
- **Archival Significance**: Hosted on platforms like GitHub and OpenWatcom.org to preserve access for historical and educational purposes.
- **Niche Use Cases**: Still utilized in embedded systems development and retrocomputing projects.

## References

1. [Project History](http://wiki.openwatcom.org/index.php/History)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013