Wanted: Free C Compiler for Windows 7 64 or Windows XP

[Longhair]

I know nothing about computer programming so I bought a book "Beginning C" so I could learn. Unfortunately, they do not include or even say where to get a C Compiler at 

Could someone provide me a link because I do not know what the differences are between C, C#, C++, etc. compilers or if they all work the same.

I can emulate Windows XP on this version of Windows 7, so that is not a problem.

Thanks in advance.

[DaveW]

I rather like this one
http://www.bloodshed.net/download.html
It says it's a C++ compiler, but when you select a new project, you can choose C as the language. As a general rule, C will compile on most of those compilers. C++ as a language has everything that C has, but adds a lot more functionality on top.
C# is very useful if you're planning on making graphical applications on Windows (limited functionality on Linux) as all the code to create windows, buttons, dialogues etc. is written for you. Well, there's a lot more to both C++ and C# but as a quick guide...
If you want to lean pure C with no extensions (useful if you also want to run your code on MCUs), then this is a useful book as well
http://publications.gbdirect.co.uk/c_book/
HTH

[GeoffS]

There's a version of the GNU c compiler called MinGW (Minimal GNU for WIndows).

It's free and well supported.

[scrat]

There's a version of the GNU c compiler called MinGW (Minimal GNU for WIndows).

It's free and well supported.

IIRC the free integrated development environment (IDE, in other words a text editor, link to compiler, other useful tools) dev-c++ uses the same compiler. I think it's a very good and easy to use IDE, and you usually don't have anything to setup for starting.
As C++ is an extension of C (contains all C), all C++ (standard) compilers must compile C code.

[LEECH666]

Code:Blocks is a more modern Version of DevC++ (from Bloodshed).
I used both, and both are ok (I've only written rather simple command line applications so far).

[pb]

Visual C++ Express is available as well if you are looking for an IDE.  You can still use the command-line compiler that is included if that floats your boat as well.

http://www.microsoft.com/express/Downloads/#2010-Visual-CPP

[RayJones]

Another vote for Visual C++ Express.

[Longhair]

I've tried all the different programs and none of them make sense at all 

Here is the first exercise from the book:

Code: [Select]

/* Program 1.1 Your Very First C Program - Displaying Hello World */
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
   printf("Hello World!");
   return 0;
}
Right now I have Visual C++ Express installed (uninstalled the other programs) and when I start it, there is a menu that gives me 8 different things before I can even start the code above 

[Mechatrommer]

oic. that pretty old code pretty familiar to me, why dont you use Turbo C++? thats the oldest i got, version 3 made 1992. if you want a copy, i can provide you, its just 8MB uncompressed, and it run under DOS if you want to stick to the newer VC++ Express, there should be a "console app" for that code in supposedly that 8 different things. i use Ms VC++ 6, MPLAB IDE 8.43, AVR Studio 4, and Arduino IDE 0018... for C programming

[DaveW]

I've tried all the different programs and none of them make sense at all 

Here is the first exercise from the book:

Code: [Select]

/* Program 1.1 Your Very First C Program - Displaying Hello World */
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
   printf("Hello World!");
   return 0;
}
Right now I have Visual C++ Express installed (uninstalled the other programs) and when I start it, there is a menu that gives me 8 different things before I can even start the code above 

You'll want to use the console project option

[Markybhoy]

When I was dabbling in C on windows I just used notepad to enter the source code and complied it via the command line.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb384838.aspx

Also some good beginner C books are - "C programming A Modern Approach" and "C Primer Plus"

[FreeThinker]

Learning C is a bit like learning to ride a unicycle wearing a blindfold  . If you have no programming experience try basic first to get an understanding of program control ie for next, gosub, loop, arrays, variables, goto (ducks  ), then try C. You will find it is then mainly a matter of syntax in the most part and improving programming habits. You can learn basic without much support C much less so.If you want to try PIC programming you can try the Oshon Pic simulator http://www.oshonsoft.com/. It has a basic compiler and a simulator to run your code free for 30 days

[Longhair]

I finally got found something that works thanks to this video:

[johnwa]

I would second Mechatrommer's suggestion of Turbo C/C++. I know Borland released Turbo C as freeware, it appears that they have also released Turbo C++ as well. You can get them over here:http://www.uv.tietgen.dk/staff/mlha/download/dos/. While Turbo C is 16 bit, it is fine for learning the language, and it can also be used for 'real' work if you don't mind using a character cell interface. I suggest that you gain a firm understanding of plain C before trying C++ - most programming I have done did not use any object oriented features, and these are somewhat less relevant in embedded environments, etc.

[Zad]

I would be interested to hear if people get Borland / Turbo C/C++ running okay on Win 7. I have the originals (I even still have the manuals!) and it was a superb language and environment for just hacking code together. An order of magnitude faster than Windows environments, even on fast machines.

[Longhair]

I installed Windows XP Mode on my Windows 7 64-Bit, then had the Turbo C Version 2.01 installed on that.

Works no problem that way.

[Mechatrommer]

the older compiler will not take advantage of and not optimized for newer cpu machine-opcode performance. but newer cpu should be back compatible with old codes. my 2cnts.

[Zero999]

Unless it's 16-bit and of course 32-bit programs can't use newer 64-bit libraries.