distcc
distcc is free software that distributes C, C++, Objective C, and Objective C++ builds across networked machines.
What distcc is
distcc is free software that distributes C, C++, Objective C, and Objective C++ builds across networked machines. It sends preprocessed source code to machines running the distccd daemon and an appropriate compiler. The project says builds should match local build results and are usually faster than compiling locally. distcc works with GNU Make, SCons, and other build tools that support parallel builds. GCC is fully supported; Intel icc is described as somewhat compatible, and the FAQ reports that Sun’s proprietary C compiler works in C mode. Machines with different processors or operating systems can take part when the appropriate cross-compilers are installed. The project is developed on GNU/Linux and is reported to work on systems including FreeBSD, NetBSD, Darwin, Solaris, HP-UX, IRIX, Cygwin, and BSD/OS. Its listed platforms include Linux, macOS, self-hosted use, and Windows. TCP connections are neither encrypted nor signed; SSH connections are authenticated and encrypted. The security notes warn that anyone who can connect to the server port can run commands as the distccd user, and that client and server trust each other. distcc dates to 2002.
Good
- Distributes C-family builds across networked machines.
- Works with GNU Make and SCons.
- GCC is fully supported.
- Cross-platform builds are possible with suitable cross-compilers.
- SSH connections are authenticated and encrypted.
Watch out
- Does not automatically choose the best work distribution.
- TCP transmissions are not encrypted or signed.
- A reachable server port allows commands as the distccd user.
- Using ccache prevents distcc pump mode.
Who it suits
distcc suits developer workgroups and developers who want to offload builds to another machine, including users of embedded or small computers. It requires networked machines with appropriate compilers and build tools that support parallel builds.
Verdict
distcc can distribute supported compilation work among networked machines, with SSH available for encrypted connections. Review its trust model and TCP security limits before opening server access.
Plans and prices
From distcc's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| distcc | Free | Free distributed C/C++ compiler · no paid tiers stated |
The facts
Each one read from distcc's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Access risk
- The security notes state that anyone able to connect to the server port can run arbitrary commands as the distccd user, and that the client and server trust each other.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Build behavior
- The site says distcc should produce the same results as a local build and is usually faster than compiling locally.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Build tools
- The site describes using distcc with GNU Make, SCons, or other build tools that support parallel builds.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Caching integration
- The FAQ says ccache and distcc can be used as separate programs, but using ccache prevents distcc's pump mode.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compiler support
- The FAQ says GCC is fully supported; Intel icc is somewhat compatible, and Sun's proprietary C compiler is reported to work in C mode.checked 8 Oct 2026
- How it works
- distcc sends preprocessed source code over the network and uses a distccd daemon and an appropriate compiler on each volunteer machine.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- The FAQ says distcc does not automatically detect the best distribution of work across machines.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Other related tools
- The site lists dmucs for server selection, ccontrol for centralized control, crosstool for cross-compilation toolchains, and distccWebView for monitoring servers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- distcc distributes builds of C, C++, Objective C and Objective C++ code across multiple networked machines.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security: SSH mode
- The security notes say SSH connections are authenticated and encrypted, and each user's server process runs with that user's account privileges.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security: TCP mode
- The security notes warn that TCP transmissions are not encrypted or signed and recommend restricting access with --allow rules or firewall rules.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs unanswered questions to the mailing list archives or the distcc mailing list.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The scenarios page describes use by developer workgroups, laptop users who offload builds to a faster home machine, and developers working on embedded or small computers.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Cross-platform builds
- The site says machines can use different processors or operating systems when appropriate cross-compilers are installed.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- The home page says distcc is developed on GNU/Linux and has been reported to work on FreeBSD, NetBSD, Darwin, Solaris, HP-UX, IRIX, Cygwin and BSD/OS.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2002checked 28 Sep 2026
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