Run C++ in command prompt - Windows

Question

I know that everyone uses an IDE nowadays, but I just find it simpler to write my code in notepad++, compile it using a command prompt command, and run it from there too. At least that works for Java and Python. I've tried to get my head around how to do that with C++, and haven't been able to find anything good. Is there any compiler (like Java's JDK) that I can stick into my path and use the C++ equivalent of javac and java to run and compile my code from CMD?

Note: please don't post answers and comments about how IDEs are better - I know they are. I'm just used to doing it the old way :D

Answer 1

Steps to perform the task:

1. Yes, first install a compiler: Download from here

2. Then type the C/C++ program, save it.

3. Then open the command line and change directory, using cd to the particular directory where the source file is stored.

   like: cd C:\Documents and Settings\...

4. Then to compile/run type in the command prompt,

   gcc sourcefile_name.c or gcc -o outputfile.exe

Answer 2

1. Download MinGW form : https://sourceforge.net/projects/mingw-w64/
2. use notepad++ to write the C++ source code.
3. using command line change the directory/folder where the source code is saved(using notepad++)
4. compile: g++ file_name.cpp -o file_name.exe
5. run the executable: file_name.exe

Answer 3

It depends on what compiler you're using.

For example, if you are using Visual C++ .NET 2010 Express, run Visual C++ 2010 Express Command Prompt from the start menu, and you can simply compile and run the code.

> cl /EHsc mycode.cpp
> mycode.exe

or from the regular command line, you can run vcvars32.bat first to set up the environment. Alternatively search for setvcvars.cmd (part of a FLOSS project) and use that to even locate the installed VS and have it call vcvars32.bat for you.

Please check your compiler's manual for command lines.

Answer 4

You have to set the environment variable to run a c++ file anywhere. follow this video instructions on Youtube How To Compile C & C++ Files On Windows 10 2018

Answer 5

If you're running Windows then make use of this:

g++ -o program program.cpp

g++ is the name of the compiler and -o is the option needed for creating a .o file. Program (without .cpp suffix) is the exe file and program.cpp is your source file that you want to compile.

g++ -o program program.cpp&program.exe

Use this shortcut to run the .exe file of the program. This may run in Ubuntu but you may have to use .out suffix instead of .exe. Use this handy batch script I made to execute your programs on Windows:

@echo off&&cls
set /p pathName=Enter The Path where the file is located:%=%
cd %pathName%
REM set /p exec=Enter The Name of the executable you want to make:%=%
set /p file=Enter The Name of the file you want to compile:%=%
g++ -o %file% %file%.cpp
%file%.exe

save it as cppExecutor.bat

Also you could use the following commands on Unix (Linux and Mac) OS:

CC program.cc

If you want to use gcc:

gcc -o program program.cpp

With the shortcut:

gcc -o program program.cpp&program.exe

Answer 6

I really don't see what your problem is, the question is rather unspecific. Given Notepad++ I assume you use Windows.

You have so many options here, from the MinGW (using the GCC tool chain and GNU make) to using a modern MSVC. You can use the WDK (ddkbuild.bat/.cmd or plain build.exe), the Windows SDK (nmake.exe), other tools such as premake and CMake, or msbuild that comes with MSVC and the Windows SDK.

I mean the compiler names will differ, cl.exe for MSVC and the WDK and Windows SDK, gcc.exe for MinGW, but even from the console it is customary to organize your project in some way. This is what make and friends were invented for after all.

So to know the command line switches of your particular compiler consult the manual of that very compiler. To find ways to automate your build (i.e. the ability to run a simple command instead of a complex command line), you could sift through the list on Wikipedia or pick one of the tools I mentioned above and go with that.

Side-note: it isn't necessary to ask people not to mention IDEs. Most professional developers have automated their builds to run from a command line and not from within the IDE (as during the development cycle for example), because there are so many advantages to that approach.