gcc compilers to be supported by Macports, especially on older MacOS systems

[Riccardo Mottola]

Hi Ken,

I think in the past, I asked for something similar.

Two questions:
1) if a user wants a compiler beyond the "golden list"? will you remove 
the ports alltogether or will it just mean for him more compilation 
because it builds another libgcc?
2) can we start with a minimal list and then "tweak" things if we 
discover some software not building and add e.g. one or two versions later?

Ken Cunningham wrote:
> The list of uniquely useful gcc compilers might be as short as:
>
> gcc-4.8, gcc5, gcc7, gcc10, and  gcc-14.
>
> All those already build on the older systems, and are at least a manageable list of versions to maintain.
>
> Could we ask for thoughts and possible get consensus that the list of gcc compilers supported by MacPorts be shortened to a list such as that?

Making this list is I think a trade-off between a newer compiler 
breaking old code and capability of also compiling newer software.

My favorite is usually:

gcc4.8 (very good for old stuff... very stable everywhere and never 
found the need to use gcc 4.2 instad of gcc 4.8 except to stick with 
apple versions)
gcc 6.5 : best "classic" compiler on 10.5/10.6, reliable, definitely to 
be included in list
gcc 8 : first "modern" compiler

and then... gcc12 or 13 just because I used them long time and gcc14 is 
new, undecdided about which to choose

I think gcc5 can be dropped.. either 4.8 or 6.5 should do

gcc7 has been for a year the newest compiler on 10.5 for me, but can it 
be replaced by 6.5 or gcc8?

gcc10: could we try do drop it and have latest?
gcc14 - I have used it very little on MacOS - but I do on linux and it 
is very finky...