Installation and Setup of C Programming
Before we write serious C programs, we must prepare our system properly. A good setup removes frustration and lets you focus on learning, not fighting with tools.
In this lesson, I will clearly show you what you need, where to download it, and how C programs actually run on your computer.
What Is Required to Run a C Program?
To write and execute C programs, you need three basic things:
- A text editor to write code
- A C compiler to translate code into machine language
- A terminal or command prompt to run programs
Among these, the most important component is the C compiler.
What Is a Compiler?
A compiler is a program that converts C source code into machine-readable instructions.
C is a compiled language, which means the program must be compiled before it can run. This is one reason why C programs are very fast.
Installing C on Different Operating Systems
Windows Users
Windows does not include a C compiler by default. The easiest and safest way to install one is by using MinGW.
Click the button below to download MinGW:
After installation, make sure the compiler path is added to system environment variables.
Linux Users
Most Linux systems already support GCC. If it is not installed, you can install it using the terminal.
sudo apt install gcc
This command downloads and installs the GCC compiler.
macOS Users
macOS users can install the Xcode Command Line Tools, which include the Clang C compiler.
Click the button below or use the command shown.
Download Xcode Command Line Tools
xcode-select --install
Writing Your First C Program
C programs are saved using the .c file extension.
Let us create a simple program named hello.c.
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
printf("C is ready to use!");
return 0;
}
Every C program starts execution from the main() function.
Compiling and Running the Program
Use the following command to compile the program:
gcc hello.c -o hello
If there are no errors, the program is compiled successfully. Now run it using:
./hello
Mini Practice
- Create a C program that prints your name
- Compile and run it successfully
- Change the output message and recompile
Quick Quiz
Q1. What is the purpose of a compiler?
Q2. Which file extension is used for C programs?
Q3. Why must C programs be compiled before execution?
Q4. Which compiler is commonly used on Linux?
Q5. What does the -o option do?