Thread: Please help me install this C++ Compiler

  1. #1
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    Unhappy Please help me install this C++ Compiler

    Hello,

    I'm new to programming and I have no idea what I'm doing yet. I need to install this compiler so I can follow along with my beginning book (C++ without Fear) but the directions for installation are not that clear to me. I have cut and pasted the directions from the readme text file below:

    To install the compiler and development environment from within
    a DOS environment or Windows MS-DOS window:


    1. From the root directory of your C drive, create a DJGPP directory:

    C:\>mkdir djgpp


    2. Change directory to djgpp.

    C:\>cd djgpp


    3. Copy the contents of the root directory of the CD. (This assumes
    that your CD uses a D: drive letter; use whatever drive letter is
    appropriate.)

    C:\DJGPP>copy d:\*.*


    4. Use unzip32.exe to decompress all the binary files.

    C:\DJGPP>unzip32 *.zip


    5. Your compiler and development environment should now be installed!




    I have found the root directory of the C drive but I don't know how to create a DJGPP directory.


    Help Please

    My Yahoo ID is: [email protected] - if it will be easier to walk me through that way.

  2. #2
    Deathray Engineer MacGyver's Avatar
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    If you're programming for Windows XP, then ditch DJGPP and get a Windows compiler.

  3. #3
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    No I'm not programming for Windows - I'm not programming for anything yet, I'm just beginning to learn, at least I will be once I get this compiler installed.

    Also it's not Homework, school's out for the semester and my actual major is far from anything related to computers and programming.

  4. #4
    C++ Witch laserlight's Avatar
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    Well, what operating system do you intend to use when learning to program?
    Quote Originally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
    I get maybe two dozen requests for help with some sort of programming or design problem every day. Most have more sense than to send me hundreds of lines of code. If they do, I ask them to find the smallest example that exhibits the problem and send me that. Mostly, they then find the error themselves. "Finding the smallest program that demonstrates the error" is a powerful debugging tool.
    Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

  5. #5
    Deathray Engineer MacGyver's Avatar
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    If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista installed as your operating system, do not install DJGPP.

    BTW, that picture in my post is a signature, which means it's attached to all my posts. It isn't directed at you necessarily.

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    I am using the Windows Operating System, it is on a PC. Let me try asking the question this way, since I seem to be confusing people.

    How do I create a new directory from the C drive. This is what I'm trying to do:

    1. From the root directory of your C drive, create a DJGPP directory:

    C:\>mkdir djgpp

    Can someone give me a step by step on how to do this? For example it might go something like this:

    Go to start menu => Select My computer=> Double click on C drive=> Do the following to create a new directory ???????...........etc

    Is that clear enough?

  7. #7
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    I have windows XP here's the problem: I'm completely new to programming, I don't want to use any compiler other than the one that came with the book (DJGPP) because I may not be able to follow along with the examples properly. I don't want to confuse myself. I do have a compiler called 'codeblocks' installed on my computer already - I do no know how to use it though.

    Oh I see, neat signature - :-)

    Why do you say I shouldn't install DJGPP?

  8. #8
    Deathray Engineer MacGyver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by isisnumber360 View Post
    Why do you say I shouldn't install DJGPP?
    Because DJGPP is a DOS compiler. DOS is outdated and no longer supported, plus it's not even what you are running. You are running Windows XP.

  9. #9
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    LOL ok nevermind, I'll see what I can figure out on my own. I know it can't be that difficult for someone to tell me how to create a new directory in C but apparently this is not the place to get help. Disregard this thread or delete it.

  10. #10
    Deathray Engineer MacGyver's Avatar
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    Well considering your instructions you posted tells you how to make a new directory, I don't know what you want from us.

  11. #11
    C++ Witch laserlight's Avatar
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    How do I create a new directory from the C drive.
    The instructions you were given uses the command line.
    1. Go to: Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt
    2. Enter: cd C:\
    3. Enter: mkdir djgpp

    Alternatively, you can use the normal Windows graphical user interface that you are probably used to:
    1. Go to: Start -> My Computer -> C:
    2. From the window, right click to open the menu.
    3. Select New -> Folder
    4. Name the folder djdpp

    I have windows XP here's the problem: I'm completely new to programming, I don't want to use any compiler other than the one that came with the book (DJGPP) because I may not be able to follow along with the examples properly. I don't want to confuse myself.
    That's a valid concern. However, as MacGyver pointed out, this is a sign that perhaps you are using the wrong book for your purposes. We have a book recommendation thread stickied on this forum. You might want to read it. Given that you have no prior programming experience, I suspect that Glassborow's You Can Do It!: A Beginners Introduction to Computer Programming would be more suitable.

    I know it can't be that difficult for someone to tell me how to create a new directory in C but apparently this is not the place to get help.
    Creating a new directory is a simple task... the problem lies after that, when you actually start learning the programming language using the book and compiler and find that the examples are outdated, and the help you are given when you ask on online communities often is not applicable to what you are actually using to learn.
    Quote Originally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
    I get maybe two dozen requests for help with some sort of programming or design problem every day. Most have more sense than to send me hundreds of lines of code. If they do, I ask them to find the smallest example that exhibits the problem and send me that. Mostly, they then find the error themselves. "Finding the smallest program that demonstrates the error" is a powerful debugging tool.
    Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

  12. #12
    and the hat of sweating
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    Here's a link to Visual Studio 2008 express edition: http://www.microsoft.com/express/download/
    You shouldn't have any problems installing that.

  13. #13
    Cat without Hat CornedBee's Avatar
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    If you don't know enough about computers to create a new directory, how can you hope to learn programming? Learn computers first.
    All the buzzt!
    CornedBee

    "There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be, any programming language in which it is the least bit difficult to write bad code."
    - Flon's Law

  14. #14
    Deathray Engineer MacGyver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CornedBee View Post
    If you don't know enough about computers to create a new directory, how can you hope to learn programming? Learn computers first.
    I felt like saying that originally, but I thought it would be too harsh. Didn't think it was possible for you to be worse than me.

    lol....

  15. #15
    Cat without Hat CornedBee's Avatar
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    I have no shame.
    All the buzzt!
    CornedBee

    "There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor will there ever be, any programming language in which it is the least bit difficult to write bad code."
    - Flon's Law

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