A compiler is necessary to make your source code (..c, .cpp, or .cc files) into a running program. If you’re just starting out, you’ll need to make sure that you have one before you start programming. There are many compilers available on the internet and sold commercially in stores or online. If you have Mac OS X, Linux, or other *nix variant (such as Unix or FreeBSD), you likely have a compiler such as gcc or g++ installed already.
Compiler terminology
Understanding the Compilation Process
- The compilation and linking process A brief description of exactly what happens when you compile a program, covering the above terms in more detail
- Dealing with Compilation Errors Some suggestions for hunting down compiler and linker errors in your code
- Understanding Compiler Warnings Learn what compiler warnings mean and the hows and whys of fixing them
What compilers are available?
- Borland Find out how to download and set up Borland’s free command-line compiler
- DJGPP Read about DJGPP, a DOS-based compiler
- Dev-C++ and Digital Mars Read about Dev-C++, a good windows based compiler, and Digital Mars
Windows Only
- Microsoft Visual C++ Read about Visual C++
*nix
- g++ is a C++ compiler that comes with most *nix distributions.
- gcc is a C compiler that comes with most *nix distributions.
Macintosh
- Apple’s own Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop is a compiler I’ve never used, but it is direct from apple and free.
- Codewarrior My experiences with Codewarrior are limited to Java programming, though it’s gotten good reviews in the past. It’s a full IDE rather than just a compiler, meaning that it has a text editor and debugger integrated with the compiler so you can do all your work from one place.
