How do I distribute a (open-source) Vala project?

Question

One of the only languages that compiles to a high level language such as C, Vala has interested me for quite a bit. I've been wanting to start a small project with it, but I've been wondering how I would distribute it.

The fact is, that it compiles to C code (C99 I suppose).

• Can I distribute the C code instead of the Vala code?
• If I do, is the C code compatible with all platforms?
• Or does it, for example when using sockets, include the appropriate stuff (winsock.h for Windows) automatically?

Answer 1

From a Vala developer in irc, #vala on irc.gnome.org:

   18:57 < flo> It is of course possible to distribute the C code as
         well. The compiler itself is shiped with vala and C code. We
         actually access C-libraries over an abstract interface with all
         advantages and disadvantages of the libraries we are using,
         including platform dependencies.

Answer 2

Automake, as of version 1.10 or 1.11 has Vala support.