[MLton] MLton: A few questions

[Daniel Spoonhower]

Forwarding back to the MLton developers list since that where it was
originally posted...

Daniel Spoonhower wrote:
> (I will take a shot, but others should correct me if I get anything wrong.)
> 
> emil artin wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have a few questions about MLton which I want to ask 
>> and hope that experienced users on this list can answer my questions.  
>>
>> 1) Is there any howto or guide about custom compilation of MLton?
>>     I would like to compile a 64bit version of MLton on AIX and Solaris myself!
> 
> I think it's as simple as "untar and make."  That assumes there is a
> working SML compiler on the platform on which you are building.
> 
>> 2) Is it possible (or sensible) to use a non gcc compiler (e.g. xlc on AIX)?
> 
> I believe that any C99-compliant compiler will work.  Try the -cc option.
> 
>> 3) What are the prerequisites? I know about gmp and SML/NJ.
>>     Is SML/NJ absolutely necessary?
> 
> Some SML compiler is necessary, as well as gmp.  You might consider
> cross-compiling:
> http://mlton.org/CrossCompiling
> Or perhaps the existing build for Solaris will be sufficient to bootstrap?
> 
>> 4) Does MLton generate an executable file from SML code by first compiling it into C 
>>     and then using a C compiler to compile it to an executable file?
> 
> MLton includes several code generators: native code generators for x86
> and x86-64 (AKA amd64) and a C code generator that is used on other
> architectures.  The C code generator works as you describe.
> 
>> Any help is very much appreciated?
>>
>> Regards,
>> E.A.
>>
>> PS: Evidently the activities on MLton has been decreased dramatically during the past few months.
>>       It seems that the project leaders don't have much time for further developement of MLton.
>>       What is going on? 
> 
> 
>