While the atomic compiler is not the most advanced piece of affini tech, it is one of the most prevalent. They are everywhere! In almost every habitation unit, in larger facilities and beyond! They are how the Affini Compact exists as a post scarcity society.
At its most basic, an atomic compiler can construct and deconstruct matter at an atomic level into any object. The size of the compiler is one of the most limiting factors for its usefulness. You can't compile an affini warship in a habitation unit's compiler. Not to scale at least.
Like a lot of home technologies, atomic compilers are programmed to mimic intelligence. You can chat with one, it might withhold compiling an object for your own good, or make you beg like a cute pet. Make sure you or your owner have the settings properly configured!
Recreational facilities on large ships and planets make use of atomic compilers to be able to construct and deconstruct entire structures and public spaces as needed on the fly! (like a holodeck for those who've seen Star Trek)
Compilers get even bigger filling out entire ship yards where new starships can be printed on demand.
Her protector considered it for a few moments while she waited for their small atomic compiler to finish synthesising a glass of water. Much to Katie’s horror she was starting to understand what June had meant when talking about the devices. Even the water it made was atomically perfect, with the exact right mineral distribution for Katie’s needs, and something about that perfection had stolen the soul right out of it. The water was fine, and more than fine if they were going to cook with it, but drinking it straight felt weird.
- Katie Aquae, Second Floret, in Divaricated Chapter 40 by Annabool
Affini culture tends to avoid using compilers in most areas of life as spending time vinemaking food, clothes, buildings, starships, etc is what most prefer. When you can create anything in seconds, the time and imperfections invested into a thing hold the value. Individual opinions don't always fall in line with the culture's.
Many affini prefer to cook for their florets, because its an act of love along with many enjoying the retro vibe of home cooked meals. Compiler food is of course atomically perfect and tastes as delicious as the affini who designed the original reference intended (which is exceptionally tasty). A meal made fresh and an identically compiled copy taste the exact same, the only thing you lose is the value and love of the time put in to make it.
Even with the culture focusing on hand made things, they still see plenty of use in almost every sophont's day to day life.
Like all affini technology extensive safety regulations and codes make it nigh impossible to be hurt by a compiler. They won't compile or decompile most living things(with unthinking unfeeling inert flora being one exception), you'll need to fill out a lot of paperwork to print out a weapon.
If you stick your hand into an active atomic compiler you might feel a bit of a tingling warning but it won't hurt you.