Question
Why is WEST upgraded with a new compiler?
Answer
WEST requires that model code is compiled to an executable code. This compilation step requires a C compiler. In the past, only the 32bit version of WEST came with a C compiler in the installer. The 64bit version required the user to install and manage their own C compiler. This meant that extra steps were required after the installation of WEST, which for most users, was not ideal. For example, installing the MSVC compiler from Microsoft.
Benchmarking the performance of the new ZIG compiler with that of the previously recommended MSCV compiler on several WEST models shows some significant improvements. The ZIG compiler generally provides shorter compile times and comparable simulation times, with the main advantage particularly noticeable for large models with many coupled units, as shown in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Benchmark of performance of new ZIG compiler
| ZIG compiler | MSVC compiler | |||
| Model | Compile (s) | Run (s) | Compile (s) | Run (s) |
| PWMSA full plant | 11 | 73 | 99 | 67 |
| Granular SBR full plant | 10 | 43 | 91 | 39 |
| Granular CSTR | 11 | 61 | 83 | 77 |
| 80 coupled ASU tanks | 141 | 90 | >10800 | |
| 80 single ASU tanks | 97 | 92 | >2700 | |
| 40 coupled ASU tanks | 92 | 91 | >2160 | |
For the largest models the MSCV compilation was aborted before it could be completed, whereas the ZIG compiler completed in very reasonable times. With WEST Release 2025 Update 1, all steps are handled directly by the installer while giving the added benefits of an overall increase in compilation and simulation speed.
Use case
FURTHER INFORMATION & USEFUL LINKS
[Manuals and User Guides]
WEST - Getting started Tutorial