Using Inform to make a Z-machine (or Glulx) story file in the ordinary way is called compiling. Cross-compiling is taking source code written in some quite different language and translating it somehow to Inform, then compiling it. One obvious use of this is to take works of interactive fiction only available in old, inconvenient formats, and renovate them as Z-machine story files, playable by all.
About...
About Cross-Compiling
Last updated 10 June 2003. The librarian in charge of this page is Graham Nelson, assisted by C Knight. Please email any comments, suggestions or corrections to cedenqs@inform-fiction.org.