For those you interesting in compiling code for an Cortex based LPC1768FBD100,551LPC1768FBD100,551 device and don't have the budget for a professional C tool then you will be pleased to note that ARM have developed the mbed module.
This module connects to the internet via a minUSB connected to your PC, and thorugh the web you are able to write and compile code using a C compiler that is resident on the ARM server.
This compiler is the MDK-ARM tool chain which is a C/C++ tool used extensively by industry and retails for approximatley £3k or so.
The great news about mbed in additional to the cloud computing concept is that all the difficult stuff has been done for you and provided in libraies. This includes TCP/IP stacks, USB host and USB slave stacks, file systems, virtual file systems as well as a big portfolio of standard drivers for I2C, CAN, UARTS, ADC etc.
The mbed module is available from Farnell as a 40 pin DIP module which can be plugged in to standard prototyping boards.
http://uk.farnell.com/nxp/om11043/kit-mbed-prototyping-board-lpc1768/dp/1761179
To support the mbed a matrix prototyping board is available from Hitex which has lots of through hole and leaded footprint on it to alllow customisation of the module to your application.
The link for the prototyping board is:
http://www.hitex.co.uk/index.php?id=2139
I have presonally written an awefull lot of software for this module and it has been the easiest module I have had the good fortune to be involved with.
For more info on the mbed see the ARM website.
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