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