Good C compilers for free?

**Ken Fitlike** · 03-31-2006

Originally Posted by eth0

No this is not true. The MSVC compiler supports both C and C++.
It is the best C compiler available for Windows systems able to produce efficient binaries is blistering time.

It doesn't support c99. Accordingly, it cannot be accurately described as 'the best C compiler available for Windows'.

**dwks** · 04-01-2006

Okay, thanks. I'm currently trying to download dev-cpp-4.9.9.2

That should get me started at least, right?

Yes, Dev-C++ is a good compiler, it will compile most C programs. I use Dev-C++ most of the time.

**ortegac** · 04-03-2006

I have Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition.

Iam a new in this I currently use Visual studio 6 but I like this new version, I want to know how to compile my code in this new version. Eth0 you said that it can support to compile .c programs well I don’t know how. I try it once, but I couldn’t find so I gave up.

Now you are saying this so. I just finish installing it again and I am going to try this one more time.

Ohh it also ask me if I wanted to install the MSDN and the SQL something, well I install it too, I don’t think I really need that but maybe in the future I will.

Would you give me any advice, in how to compile the .c files?

Thanks for your help and support

Caleb

**eth0** · 04-03-2006

In exactly the same way as you build c++ files. Just save your files as .c instead of .cpp
The MSVC compiler (cl.exe), is both a C and C++ compiler. It will build according to file extension.

IMO, the MSVC C compiler generates better binaries than the C++. It's the same compiler which comes with the DDK, of which 99% are written in C.

You can mix C and C++ files within the same project with no problems.

**ortegac** · 04-03-2006

Hi Eth0,

But how do I compile & build my .c file? I don’t really like it to do it with the visual studio command prompt 2005. I typed CL /c FIRST.C and it works. But I just wanted to build my .c file like I use to. With visual 6.0 C++ (ctr+F7) to compile and (CTR+F5) to build is pretty simple like that. I really like how visual c++ 2005 express edition looks but it doesn’t give me what I want.

I did go to view and put the build tool bar. But it takes forever to build and I don’t think is working. All I want to do Is press compile and build. And have the .c file running.

Thanks for your help and collaboration. I know you don’t get paid for this but is extremely helpful maybe one day you might work for Microsoft.

Thanks

Caleb