[MLton-user] Re: [MLton] MLton: A few questions

[Daniel Spoonhower]

(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?