What is Free Pascal written in?
It bootstraps via Pascal.
Free Pascal is a free compiler for Pascal and ObjectPascal, first released in 1993.
Implementation
| Layer | Written in | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bootstrap | Pascal (since 1993) | Free Pascal compiler initially written in Turbo Pascal then self-hosted |
Bootstrap chain
Bootstrapping is the process of using a language's own compiler to compile a new version of itself. The very first compiler must be written in another language; once functional, that compiler can compile a self-hosted version. Free Pascal uses Pascal as part of its bootstrap chain.
See the guide on what is compiler bootstrapping for a walkthrough of how bootstrap chains work in practice.
Explore in the Graph
See Free Pascal's full lineage, including all implementation and influence relationships, in the interactive graph.
Open Interactive Graph →Or view the Free Pascal language page for the complete record.