Environment for C

The steps involved in developing a C program are :

  1. Program creation
  2. Program compilation
  3. Program execution

Unix/Linux Environment

(a) Program creation

In UNIX environment, file can be created with vi editor as  :

$vi filename.c


Here $ is the unix prompt. Type "i", it enables you to write your code. The file can be saved by pressing ESC and SHIFT+zz.

(b) Program compilation

After creation of C program, it can be compiled as :

$gcc filename.c


If the program has mathematical function then it is compiled as :

$gcc filename.c -lm


After compilation, the executable code is stored in the file a.out.

Another way of compilation providing executable file name is :

$gcc filename.c -o executablename


After compilation, the executable code is stored in the file executablename.

(c) Program execution

After the compilation of program, it can be executed as :

$ a.out


If compiled with -o option then it can be executed as :

$ executablename


If GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) is not installed, then you will have to install it yourself using the detailed instructions available at https://gcc.gnu.org/install/

MS-DOS Environment (Command Line)

(a) Program creation

The program file can be created using any editor and should be saved with .c extension

(b) Program compilation

After saving the file, C program can be compiled at DOS prompt by writing :

C:\>tcc filename (in Turbo C)


C:\>bcc filename (in Borland C)


(c) Program execution

After compilation of C program, the executable file filename.exe is created. It is executed at DOS prompt by writing :

C:\> filename


Using an IDE - Turbo C

(a) Program creation

Step 1 :

Open turbo C IDE(Integrated Development Environment), click on File and then click on New

Step 2 :

Write the code as shown below:

/* my first program in c */
#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
    printf("Hello, World !");
    return 0;
}


(b) Program compilation

Step 3:

Click on compile or press Alt+F9 to compile the code

(c) Program execution


Step 4:

Click on Run or press Ctrl+F9 to run the code

Step 5:

The output appears in the output window that can be seen using the keys Alt+F5

Using an IDE - Visual Studio 2013

(a) Program creation

Step 1 :

Create a new general empty project in Visual C++.

To create an empty project

• On the FILE menu, Click New Project or press Ctrl + Shift + N.

• In the left pane under Installed | Templates chose Visual C++ and select General.

• In the middle pane, select Empty Project.

• Set the Name and Location values for your solution, then click OK.

Step 2 :

Add a new .cpp file Source.cpp.

To add a new source file

• In Solution Explorer, right-click the Source Files folder, point to Add, and then click New Item or press Ctrl + Shift + A.

• In the Code node, click C++ File (.cpp), type a name for the file, and then click Add.

Step 3:

Write the code as shown below:

/* my first program in c */

#include <stdio.h>
#include <conio.h>

int main()
{
    printf("Hello World !");
    _getch();
    return 0;
}


(b) Program compilation

Step 4:

On the BUILD menu, click Build Solution or press F7.

The Output window displays information about the compilation progress, for example, the location of the build log and a message that indicates the build status.

(c) Program execution

Step 5:

On the DEBUG menu, click Start without Debugging or press Ctrl + F5.

Step 6:

Review the resulting program window

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