The CINT C/C++ Interpreter

CINT is a C/C++ interpreter which is aimed at processing C/C++ scripts. Scripts are programs which perform specific tasks. Generally execution time is not critical, but rapid development is. Using an interpreter the compile and link cycle is dramatically reduced facilitating rapid development. CINT covers about 95% of ANSI C and 85% of C++. CINT, written in ANSI C (about 80000 loc), is solid enough to interpret itself and let the interpreted version execute a program.

CINT makes C/C++ programming enjoyable even for part-time programmers.

CINT is developed by Masaharu Goto, who works for HP Japan. Masaharu collaborates closely with the ROOT team to integrate CINT seamlessly into ROOT and to further optimize CINT/ROOT.

The ROOT system embeds CINT to be able to execute C++ scripts and C++ command line input. CINT also provides ROOT with extensive RTTI capabilities.

Currently CINT 5.14 is available via anonymous ftp for the following platforms:

• Unix (HP-UX, Solaris, SunOS, Linux, AIX, SGI, Alpha/OSF) and Windows NT (source only, 860 KB)

See the following chapters on how CINT is used in ROOT:

Adding Your own Classes to ROOT

CINT as Dictionary Generator

CINT as Command Line and Macro Interpreter

• FAQ
• Reference
• Commands
• Bytecode compiler
• API
• Error messages
• Limitations
• Manifest constants