Installing C++ compiler GCC, Clang, Visual Studio, or Code::Blocks
To create and run new programs in the C++ programming language, C++ users need a C++ compiler software application installed on their computer. A compiler application software installed on a desktop or laptop computer converts C++ program source code into machine-readable executable source code or files.
Popular C++ compilers and development environments today.
- GNU Compiler Collection (GCC).
- Clang Compiler.
- Microsoft Visual Studio.
- Code::Blocks Compiler.
Installing the GCC compiler on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
What is the GCC compiler?
The GNU Compiler Collection is a free and open-source C++ compiler application software that is widely used to write and run program code for programming languages like C and C++.
GCC compiler installation setup on Windows.
Using the MinGW file on your computer.
Step 1:
First, open the official MinGW website for the GCC compiler.
Step 2:
Download the GCC MinGW installer to your computer.
Step 3:
Select the GCC MinGW installer from the download location and run it.
- Architecture: x86_64
- Threads: posix
- Exceptions: seh
Step 4:
Now install the GCC MinGW compiler on your computer.
Step 5:
Add the bin folder location to your computer’s system PATH.
For example:
C:\mingw64\bin
Step 6:
Now open a command prompt or console application on your computer and verify the GCC MinGW installation.
g++ –version
GCC compiler installation on Linux.
Nowadays, modern Linux operating system distributions already include or install the GCC compiler.
In Ubuntu/Debian, install the GCC compiler.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install g++
Verify the GCC compiler installation.
g++ –version
GCC compiler installation on macOS.
Install the GCC compiler on your Apple Mac OS using the Xcode command line tools.
xcode-select –install
Verify the GCC compiler installation.
g++ –version
Installing the Clang compiler on Windows, Linux, or macOS.
What is the Clang compiler?
Clang is a modern C++ compiler software based on LLVM. The Clang compiler provides fast program compilation and improved program error message display.
Clang C++ Compiler Windows Installation.
Step 1:
First, visit the Clang website.
Then, move LLVM to the official website.
Step 2:
Download the Clang LLVM installer for Microsoft Windows on your computer.
Step 3:
Run the Clang LLVM installer on your desktop or laptop computer and enable it.
“Add LLVM to system PATH”
Step 4:
Verify the Clang LLVM installation on your computer.
clang++ –version
Installing Clang LLVM on Linux.
In Ubuntu/Debian, install the Clang LLVM compiler.
sudo apt install clang
Verify the Clang LLVM compiler installation.
clang++ –version
Installing Clang LLVM on macOS.
Clang LLVM comes pre-installed with the Xcode tools on Apple Mac OS.
Verify the Clang LLVM compiler installation.
clang++ –version
Installing Visual Studio on Microsoft Windows.
What is Microsoft Visual Studio?
Microsoft Visual Studio is a powerful and comprehensive graphical IDE software for the Windows operating system. It provides a C++ compiler, debugger, and editor, along with numerous tools and features.
Microsoft Visual Studio Installation Steps:
Step 1:
First, open the Visual Studio official website.
Step 2:
Download the Visual Studio Community Edition (free) version for your Windows operating system.
Step 3:
Run the downloaded Microsoft Visual Studio installer setup on your computer.
Step 4:
Choose the workload according to your operating system:
Select Desktop Development Environment with C++.
Step 5:
Click Install on your computer.
Create and run your first C++ program.
1. Open the installed Microsoft Visual Studio on your computer.
2. Create:
Select a new project → Console Application.
3. Write your desired C++ program code.
4. To run the C++ program code, press Ctrl + F5.
Installing Code::Blocks on your computer.
What is the Code::Blocks IDE application?
Code::Blocks is a lightweight C++ programming IDE software commonly used by C++ beginners.
Installation Steps for Code::Blocks:
1. First, visit the Code::Blocks main website.
Go to the Code::Blocks official website.
2. Now, download the Code::Blocks version according to your current operating system.
o Installation with Code::Blocks with MinGW.
o Here, the GCC compiler is already included in this package.
3. Install the Code::Blocks software on your computer.
4. Now, open the Code::Blocks application.
5. Now, create a new console project.
Testing the Code::Blocks compiler.
After installing the Code::Blocks IDE compiler on your computer, create a simple C++ program and test it.
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << “Hello, World!”;
return 0;
}
Compile the program created in Code::Blocks and run it on your computer.
Program output:
Hello, Welcome to the C++ programming World
Detail Comparison of popular C++ ide Compilers
| # | Compiler/IDE | Supported Platform | Unique Features |
| 1. | GCC compiler | Windows, Linux, macOS, operating system | It is very Fast, open-source software |
| 2. | Clang compiler | Windows, Linux, macOS, operating system | Display Better error messages in console screen |
| 3. | Visual Studio ide | Only Microsoft Windows operating system | Powerful IDE and debugger for windows operating system user |
| 4. | Code::Blocks ide | Windows, Linux, macOS, operating system | Beginner-friendly IDE for novice user |
Conclusion of Installing a C++ compiler (GCC, Clang, Visual Studio, or Code::Blocks).
Installing C++ compiler IDE software on your existing computer is the first step in learning C++ programming. Beginner C++ users often start C++ program development with Code::Blocks or Microsoft Visual Studio. Professional C++ users typically use software compilers like the GNU Compiler Collection or Clang for advanced C++ development.
