"Often, programs are compiled on one computer, then distributed
to other computers to be used. When the host system (the one the
compiler is running on) and the target system (the one the
resulting programs will run on) are not compatible environments,
the process is called cross compilation.
"Other than the obvious benefit of compatibility, cross
compilation is quite important for two reasons:
"When the target system doesn't have a native set of
compilation tools available to it.
"When the host system is dramatically faster, or has greater
available resources, than the target system.
"In this article, I'll discuss the initial setup of a
cross-compilation environment, using the Sharp Zaurus series of
handheld computers as a focus. I'll cover the installation of
tools, basic compilation issues, how to install programs on the
handheld, and such advanced issues as building programs that use
configure scripts. You'll benefit most if you follow the article as
it is structured because the article is written similar to a
tutorial, with steps that follow each other in logical
order..."