standard compiler temp space directory

[roberth at abbacomm.net (Robert)]

greetings

apologies for possibly lame question yet ummmmmmmmmm...

where do i look in the docs or google to find out what directory(ies) the
various compilers and programs are using for temp space?

most of my knowledge of old and simple looking has found that most stuff
will go in the below directories...

it is still 

/tmp or /var/tmp or similar otherwise?

i havent done any compilation in awhile and am setting up a new box and want
to make sure i have enough space in the right areas and partitions

thanks in advance

 - rh