original_query: What is a cross compiler and what is its purpose?
query: What is a cross compiler and what is its purpose?
answer: A cross compiler is a compiler that creates executable code for a platform different from the one it runs on.  Its purpose is to separate the build environment from the target environment, useful for situations like compiling for embedded systems with limited resources, compiling for multiple machines, compiling on a server farm, bootstrapping to a new platform, or compiling for emulators of older platforms.