Cryptic crossword clue
This compiler’s inferior to old guns, it’s apparent 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word OSTENSIVE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
O
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The straight part
We know that "apparent" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case apparent = ostensive.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does OSTENSIVE mean?

OSTENSIVE adjective
  1. Apparently true, but not necessarily; ostensible
  2. Clearly demonstrative.

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