**How to Compile a C or C++ File**

Compiling a C / C++ file requires the use of Windows Command Prompt (Windows), Terminal/Shell (Mac & Unix), or an IDE.

NOTE: The following steps are for compiling a C / C++ program in a Unix Terminal session.

  *  Change the working directory to the location in which the .c or .cpp file you wish to compile is contained.

  *  Type one of the following commands (where program is the name of your file):

  *  C Files

  *  gcc program.c

  *  Example: gcc assignment1.c

  *  C++ Files

  *  g++ program.cpp

  *  Example: g++ assignment2.cpp

  *  There should now be an executable file named a.out in the same directory you compiled the C or C++ file.

  *  For compiling C or C++ files with a specific name instead of a.out, add -o filename to the compile command.

  *  gcc -o homework1 assignment1.c will create homework1.out

  *  g++ -o homework2 assignment2.cpp will create homework2.out