Thread: Compiling Issues

  1. #1
    Registered User
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    Compiling Issues

    Hi,

    When compiling in emacs in linux i can not run the .exe in windows, though i can in Linux.

    How do i compile a .c program to run in Windows?

    And likewise when compiling in Dev-C and trying to run the .exe in Linux it doesn't work.

    Any help would be grateful

    Jon

  2. #2
    Kernel hacker
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    Ehm, because "everything" is different, except perhaps the processor.

    Windows uses PE/COFF formated executable files, and Linux uses ELF or a.out format executables. On top of that, Windows and Linux have different API's (that is, the functions to read & write files, ask the OS what time it is, or ask for more memory, just to give a few examples) is different. Even the ABI (application binary interface) is different. The ABI is a sort of agreement between the compiler and the OS about "how you transfer information, and what registers to use for what".

    It's like saying "why can't I just take my Ford engine and bolt it straight into my Nissan" - they weren't built to "plug'n'play" together!

    --
    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.

  3. #3
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    More cross-border posting.
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  4. #4
    Kernel hacker
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    I like your answer, Salem.

    --
    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.

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