API Guide > Setting up your build environment >

# Compiler Requirements

The Maya API requires a specific compiler and linker on each of the platforms we support. The compilers listed below are identical to what we use to build Maya. Using these compilers will guarantee binary compatibility when building plug-ins.

- Linux 64: gcc 4.1.2
- Snow Leopard 10.6.8, Xcode 3.2.1, gcc 4.2.1
- Windows 32 and 64: Visual Studio 2010 SP1
  Note

  Maya does not provide binary compatibility for plug-ins between releases. For example a plug-in built in Maya 2012 will not load in Maya 2013. With each new release, the source must be recompiled. However, it is our goal to maintain source-code compatibility, and in the majority of cases, no changes to the source will be required.