Thread: How to Use Libraries in my cpp file?

Friends, I've looked at every conceivable link on the net to explain how to use a 3rd party library in my code. I really have spent the past 3 days trying to do this simple task and I see many newbies on the internet have the same question.

To try and guide you all, for the purposes of this exercise, let us use:

1) Code::Blocks as the IDE as its probably one you are most verse in.
2) "Boost" library as its one you are most verse in.

Using this common IDE and common library, I have done the following, all VERBATIM as per advise on the one FAQ page:

Observe carefully my precise steps:

1) I downloaded the official windows Boost.zip library (Version 1.54.0) and extracted it into the following folder on my computer: C:\boost_1_54_0

2) I opened CodeBlocks, created a new project and main cpp source file.

3) I tell the compiler where to find headers and library files: I set up global compiler path directories for the boost library by opening settings -> compiler and debugger -> tab search directories -> sub tab compiler -> add button and entering the search directory: C:\boost_1_54_0

4) I tell the linker where to find headers and library files: I set up global linker path directories for the boost library by opening settings -> compiler and debugger -> tab search directories -> sub tab compiler -> add button and entering the search directory: C:\boost_1_54_0

5) I tell the linker which libraries the programme is using: I right click my project on the left hand side pane and select build options. I click the linker tab. Under Linker Settings I press add and then I add the library I wish to use: C:\boost_1_54_0\

6) In my main source code, I add the header:

Code:

#include <boost\algorithm\string\find.hpp>

as this is the function header I wish to use. You see, its a header not a library, as Boost contains header only files and there is no need to build.




Anyway, after doing all this I get the error that the programme exited with status 1 and the exe couldnt even run. All I had was a main function with no contents just to check if it runs. Whats worse, after setting all these options, the programme doesnt even recognise the string variable even after including #include <string>. It says string not declared in this scope.

Please post your code that is causing the problems, and the complete error messages exactly as they appear in your development environment.

Did you properly scope the functions you're trying to use?

Jim

Hi Guys, My code is:

Code:

#include <boost\algorithm\string\find.hpp

int main () {
return 0;
}

As I said above, no core code, I just put a minimal programme to see if it will work.

Any way when I compile and run that I get the message:
"It seems this project has not been built yet"
Do you want to build it now?"
I click yes

After compiling and running, I get a red highlighted message under Build Log:

collect 2: Id returned 1 exit status
Process terminated with status 1 (0 minutes, 0 seconds)
0 errors, 0 warnings

It seems as though since I added all those path directories and added the libraries, any programme that I compile and run gives the same error.

That is an include only library, AFAIK.

You have to enable C++11.
Your example compiles without problems for me, only when I add -std=c++11, no boost related linker options are needed.

Originally Posted by stahta01

Do a re-build and post the Full Build Log!
Until you Post a good Full Build Log I will ignore you!

Tim S.

I set the options so that it outputs a complete build log and also to export to HTML for full report. The following is all I get:

-------------- Build: Debug in Test ---------------

mingw32-g++.exe -LC:\boost_1_54_0\ -o bin\Debug\Test.exe obj\Debug\Untitled2.o C:\boost_1_54_0\
c:/program files (x86)/codeblocks/mingw/bin/../lib/gcc/mingw32/4.4.1/../../../../mingw32/bin/ld.exe: C:\boost_1_54_0\: No such file: No such file or directory
collect2: ld returned 1 exit status
Process terminated with status 1 (0 minutes, 0 seconds)
0 errors, 0 warnings
Build log saved as:
file://C:%5cUsers%5cMyName%5cDocuments%5cC%20Code%5cTest% 5cTest_build_log.html

Jim, I redid the entire sequence in the opening post but this time I left out step 5.

This time when I execute the same code:

Code:

#include <boost\algorithm\string\replace.hpp
 
int main () {
return 0;
}

It finally works and returns 0 without any errors or warnings.

But now I want to go a step further. I actually want to use the replace function.

So I do:

Code:

#include <string>
#include <boost\algorithm\string\replace.hpp

using namespace std;

int main (){
stirng str1 = "Hello Dolly, Hello World!";
replace_first(str1, "Dolly", "Jane");
return 0;
}

Although this time the compiler detects the library, I get an error:

error: 'replace_first' was not declared in this scope

Stahta, I also changed the directories in the poject and not global variables but to no avail

Originally Posted by vart

If you just typed your post - copy past your code instead

That the result of testing the code on a computer without internet and a laptop with no testing facilities and internet :-)

You probably need to scope the "replace" function. Open the include file and see what namespace that function is encased within.

Also you can add the boost directory to your project by adding the proper directory in your build settings section




Jim