Basic C compiler

xxsumz · 12-09-2008, 05:44 PM

Hi everyone =] Well, today I've decided that I want to learn C. I know it's not easy but given the right amount of time and tutorials, I believe that I can learn basic-intermediate levels of C programming. I have basic-intermediate knowledge in Visual Basic, Java and HTML.

So as this is my first time, I was wondering what is a good but simple C compiler. Any recommendations is greatly appreciated.

matsp · 12-09-2008, 05:49 PM

Well, it depends on what you mean by "good and simple". I would highly recommend using a fully standards compliant, modern compiler - because using old stuff will teach you bad habits that doesn't work in a modern compiler.

Visual Studio 2008 Express Edition is available for free from Microsoft, and is a good compiler.

gcc (Gnu Compiler Collection) is another option. You can use gcc as a command-line tool, or you can get for example Code::Blocks to go with it, which gives you a full Integrated Development Environment. gcc is available for many differnet processors and OS's, whilst MS Visual Studio 2008 only works in Windows XP or Vista (and the respective Server version).

--
Mats

xxsumz · 12-09-2008, 06:16 PM

Alright, I'll try Visual Studio.

Brafil · 12-10-2008, 03:00 AM

Me too, I think VS is a great compiler and IDE. I really like it. But I think, it's a little overbloated for beginners. If you can't get it, I would suggest you Code::Blocks or Dev-C++
(Well, I really don't like Dev-C++, because it has a strange type of indentation and it didn't work well). They're easier to use, but also really comfortable. And codeblocks can handle multiple compilers. They are simpler, but not as full-featured as MSVC.

IceDane · 12-10-2008, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brafil

Me too, I think VS is a great compiler and IDE. I really like it. But I think, it's a little overbloated for beginners. If you can't get it, I would suggest you Code::Blocks or Dev-C++
(Well, I really don't like Dev-C++, because it has a strange type of indentation and it didn't work well). They're easier to use, but also really comfortable. And codeblocks can handle multiple compilers. They are simpler, but not as full-featured as MSVC.

I used to agree. I found it extremely difficult to actually start using Visual Studio after getting used to Dev-C++ and/or Code::Blocks. However, those two IDEs are, in my opinion, complete crap in comparison to Visual Studio. Don't get me wrong, they are fine on their own, but compared to the epic awesomeness of the wonder that is visual studio, they are but pure fail.

I highly recommend you start using Visual Studio and stick with it until you get the hang of it. It is the defacto IDE for professional development for windows platforms, and it simply doesn't get better IMO.

jwenting · 12-10-2008, 03:59 AM

with the effective demise of Borland C++ MSVC is the only game in town when it comes to quality IDEs and compilers for the Microsoft platform.

Things like Code::Blocks and Dev-C are worthy efforts by hobbyists, but can't (hope to) match the features and useability of the commercial offerings.

IntelliJ and Eclipse with C++ plugins are better options if you want something that's not Microsoft yet still have a quality editor.
IntelliJ is of course not free and almost unheard of outside of the Java community as it's designed to be a Java IDE but offers editors for other languages as well to provide cross-language development capabilities inside a single application similar (to a degree, I've not tested whether it is possible to plug in a C++ compiler and debugger) to Visual Studio but without the restrictions to a single integrated compiler.
Eclipse is similar in its goals.

Elysia · 12-10-2008, 06:27 AM

Not to mention Visual Studio has a debugger integrated, which is very helpful, since you will want to get familiar with it from the start. I do take it you have used a debugger in at least VB before, so it should not be too much of a problem.

C_ntua · 12-10-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brafil

Me too, I think VS is a great compiler and IDE. I really like it. But I think, it's a little overbloated for beginners. If you can't get it, I would suggest you Code::Blocks or Dev-C++
(Well, I really don't like Dev-C++, because it has a strange type of indentation and it didn't work well). They're easier to use, but also really comfortable. And codeblocks can handle multiple compilers. They are simpler, but not as full-featured as MSVC.

I believe the confusing part is that you learn at schools to use a command line compiler. Like open a file with a simple editor and type a line to compile. Then you expect to open VS and expect to see a text file in front of you and next to it a console. But you get all these options about projects and stuff. And a punch of files that seem useless. But with like 20m and a quick tutorial you can use the basics of VS.

And as always, I would prefer if you get familiar with serious IDE from school. I mean you can get VS 2008 proffesional edition for free as a student, but you would be taught with text and command prompt. Maybe VI on Linux. Which are all also good, but they require less familiarization (omg, no redline, this was actually a valid word!) from VS. So you could do it by your own. Anyway, kind of off-topic...

Bladactania · 07-10-2009, 09:05 AM

Given the fact that he has programmed in Visual Basic, learning to use the Visual C++ IDE will be a snap.

Elysia · 07-10-2009, 10:50 AM

And given that the last post was in at the end of 2008, you are grave digging and most don't like that.

Bladactania · 07-10-2009, 11:45 AM

Oops... I forgot to look at the date! Someone linked me to this thread from one of mine!

Sorry guys!

ಠ_ಠ · 07-10-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elysia

And given that the last post was in at the end of 2008, you are grave digging and most don't like that.

I prefer the term Topic Necromancy

**laserlight** · 07-10-2009, 01:03 PM

Right, and you do not need to drag the ghoul around further.

*thread closed*

12-09-2008, 05:44 PM	#1
xxsumz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 2	Basic C compiler Hi everyone =] Well, today I've decided that I want to learn C. I know it's not easy but given the right amount of time and tutorials, I believe that I can learn basic-intermediate levels of C programming. I have basic-intermediate knowledge in Visual Basic, Java and HTML. So as this is my first time, I was wondering what is a good but simple C compiler. Any recommendations is greatly appreciated.
xxsumz is offline

12-09-2008, 05:49 PM	#2
matsp Kernel hacker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Farncombe, Surrey, England Posts: 15,686	Well, it depends on what you mean by "good and simple". I would highly recommend using a fully standards compliant, modern compiler - because using old stuff will teach you bad habits that doesn't work in a modern compiler. Visual Studio 2008 Express Edition is available for free from Microsoft, and is a good compiler. gcc (Gnu Compiler Collection) is another option. You can use gcc as a command-line tool, or you can get for example Code::Blocks to go with it, which gives you a full Integrated Development Environment. gcc is available for many differnet processors and OS's, whilst MS Visual Studio 2008 only works in Windows XP or Vista (and the respective Server version). -- Mats __________________ Compilers can produce warnings - make the compiler programmers happy: Use them! Please don't PM me for help - and no, I don't do help over instant messengers.
matsp is offline

12-09-2008, 06:16 PM	#3
xxsumz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 2	Alright, I'll try Visual Studio.
xxsumz is offline

12-10-2008, 03:00 AM	#4
Brafil Making mistakes Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 347	Me too, I think VS is a great compiler and IDE. I really like it. But I think, it's a little overbloated for beginners. If you can't get it, I would suggest you Code::Blocks or Dev-C++ (Well, I really don't like Dev-C++, because it has a strange type of indentation and it didn't work well). They're easier to use, but also really comfortable. And codeblocks can handle multiple compilers. They are simpler, but not as full-featured as MSVC.
Brafil is offline

12-10-2008, 03:59 AM	#6
jwenting chococoder Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 443	with the effective demise of Borland C++ MSVC is the only game in town when it comes to quality IDEs and compilers for the Microsoft platform. Things like Code::Blocks and Dev-C are worthy efforts by hobbyists, but can't (hope to) match the features and useability of the commercial offerings. IntelliJ and Eclipse with C++ plugins are better options if you want something that's not Microsoft yet still have a quality editor. IntelliJ is of course not free and almost unheard of outside of the Java community as it's designed to be a Java IDE but offers editors for other languages as well to provide cross-language development capabilities inside a single application similar (to a degree, I've not tested whether it is possible to plug in a C++ compiler and debugger) to Visual Studio but without the restrictions to a single integrated compiler. Eclipse is similar in its goals.
jwenting is offline

07-10-2009, 09:05 AM	#9
Bladactania Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 278	Given the fact that he has programmed in Visual Basic, learning to use the Visual C++ IDE will be a snap.
Bladactania is offline

07-10-2009, 11:45 AM	#11
Bladactania Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 278	Oops... I forgot to look at the date! Someone linked me to this thread from one of mine! Sorry guys!
Bladactania is offline

07-10-2009, 01:03 PM	#13
laserlight C++ Witch Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 10,352	Right, and you do not need to drag the ghoul around further. thread closed __________________ C + C++ Compiler: MinGW port of GCC Build + Version Control System: SCons + Bazaar Look up a C/C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
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