---
title: Compiler
slug: zen-studio-working-panel-compiler
description: The Zen Studio Compiler is a fully loaded IDE, designed to edit & compile GPC source code files with full-text formatting, find/replace, and real-time syntax highlighting. Includes a full debugging output window.
icon: ◼️
docTags: 
createdAt: 2021-12-04T16:04:33.000Z
---

The Compiler is an integrated development environment (IDE) for creating, editing, and compiling GPC scripts.

Features include:

- Syntax highlighting
- Find / Replace
- Real-time error reporting
- Bytecode size and memory usage analysi
- Debug output window

# 16-Bit vs 32-Bit Scripts

***

Legacy 16-bit scripts must be compiled using the **Legacy 16-Bit Compiler**.

Enable this option in:

**Device Panel > Use Legacy 16-Bit Compiler**

Use this only for older scripts that require compatibility.

# Compiler Interface

***

## Tab Bar

Displays all open GPC scripts.

- Drag and drop to reorder tabs
- An asterisk (\*) indicates unsaved changes

## Editor Window

Used to edit GPC source code.

Includes:

- Real-time syntax highlighting
- Text formatting
- Search functionality

Syntax highlighting improves readability and reduces coding errors.

## Compiler Output

Displays compilation results for the active script.

Output includes:

- Errors
- Warnings
- Bytecode size
- Stack memory usage
- Percentage of memory used

Cronus Zen provides **8 × 32KB memory slots**.

:::hint{type="danger"}
**IMPORTANT:** Warnings should be treated as errors. Even if compilation succeeds, warnings may indicate:

- Deprecated functions
- Out-of-range values
- Potential instability

Unresolved warnings can cause runtime issues or device error codes.
:::

# Compiler Menu

***

## Font Size

Adjust editor font size via:

**Compiler > Font Size**

Default: 10

## Compile (F7)

Compiles the active script without running it.

Used to verify:

- Errors
- Warnings
- Memory usage

## Build and Run (F5)

Compiles the active script and loads it directly into device RAM.

The script runs immediately without programming a memory slot.

Commonly used for live testing with the **Device Monitor**.

## Publish Script

Allows submission of a GPC script to the public GPC Library.

Requirements:

- Registered device
- Internet connection

Access via:

**Compiler > Publish Script**

This opens the publishing portal in your default web browser.