How to compile C program on command line using MinGW?

Question

What command does one have to enter at the command line in Windows 7 to compile a basic C program?

Like I am literally wondering what you type in the command prompt, to

Answer 1

make as usual... Just make sure you have it in your path and correct Makefile

Answer 2

In Windows 10, similar steps can be followed in other versions of windows.

Right Click on "My Computer" select Properties, Goto Advanced System Settings -> Advanced -> Select "Environment Variables.." .

Find "Path" select it and choose edit option -> Click on New and add "C:\MinGW\bin" (or the location of gcc.exe, if you have installed at some other location) -> Save and restart command prompt. Gcc should work.

Answer 3

You can permanently include the directory of the MinGW file, by clicking on My Computer, Properties, Advanced system settings, Environment variables, then edit and paste your directory.

Answer 4

It indicates it couldn't find gcc.exe.

I have a path environment variable set to where MinGW is installed

Maybe you haven't set the path correctly?

echo %path%

shows the path to gcc.exe? Otherwise, compilation is similar to Unix:

gcc filename.c -o filename

Answer 5

Instead of setting the %PATH% you may enter your msys shell. In standard msys and mingw installation gcc is in path, so you can run gcc or which gcc.

I have a batch file sh.bat on my Windows 7, in %PATH%:

C:\lang\msys\bin\sh.exe --login %*

Whenever I want to use gcc I enter cmd, then sh, then gcc. I find it very convenient.

When working with linux originated software avoid spaced directories like Program Files. Install them rather to Program_Files. The same regards to tools that you may want to run from msys environment.

Answer 6

I once had this kind of problem installing MinGW to work in Windows, even after I added the right System PATH in my Environment Variables.

After days of misery, I finally stumbled on a thread that recommended uninstalling the original MinGW compiler and deleting the C:\MinGW folder and installing TDM-GCC MinGW compiler which can be found here.

You have options of choosing a 64/32-bit installer from the download page, and it creates the environment path variables for you too.