c-cpp-setup

C/C++ Setup on Linux

This guide will help you install everything you need to write and run C/C++ programs on Linux. I’ll cover both Ubuntu/Debian and Fedora systems.

What We’re Installing and Why

GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) = A free, powerful C/C++ compiler that’s the standard on Linux systems. Think of it as the tool that turns your C/C++ code into programs that can actually run on your computer.

Prerequisites (What You Need First)

• Ubuntu 16.04+, Debian 9+, or Fedora 25+ (or similar Linux distribution)
• At least 500 MB of free space
• Internet connection
• Administrator access (ability to install programs)
• Basic familiarity with Terminal/command line

Note: For linux distributions other than Ubuntu/Debian and Fedora, please refer to the official documentation of your distribution.

Step 1: Find Your Linux Distribution

Not sure which Linux you’re using? Open Terminal and run this command:

cat /etc/os-release

Look for the ID line:

• If it says ubuntu or debian → Follow the Ubuntu/Debian instructions below
• If it says fedora → Follow the Fedora instructions below

How to open Terminal:

• Press Ctrl + Alt + T (shortcut)
• OR click Activities → Search “Terminal”
• OR find it in Applications → Utilities

Step 2: Install GCC Compiler

For Ubuntu/Debian Systems:

1. Update your system first:

   sudo apt update
   

   • Type your password when asked (you won’t see it as you type - this is normal!)
   • Press Enter and wait for it to finish
2. Install the C/C++ compiler:

   sudo apt install build-essential
   

   • This installs gcc (C compiler), g++ (C++ compiler), and essential build tools
   • Wait for the installation to complete (usually 1-5 minutes)

For Fedora Systems:

1. Update your system first:

   sudo dnf update
   

   • Enter your password when asked
   • Type y and press Enter when prompted
   • Wait for updates to complete
2. Install the C/C++ compiler:

   sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
   

   • This installs gcc, g++, and essential development tools
   • Type y when asked to confirm and wait for installation to complete

Step 3: Test Your Installation

Let’s make sure everything is working properly!

1. Test the C compiler:

   gcc --version
   

   You should see something like:

   gcc (Ubuntu 9.4.0-1ubuntu1~20.04.1) 9.4.0
   Copyright (C) 2019 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
   

2. Test the C++ compiler:

   g++ --version
   

   You should see similar version information.

3. If both commands show version information, congratulations! Your setup is complete!

What if Something Goes Wrong?

Problem: “gcc is not recognized” or “command not found”

This means the compiler wasn’t installed properly. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Make sure the installation completed successfully:
   • Re-run the installation command from Step 2
   • Watch for any error messages during installation
2. For Ubuntu/Debian users:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install gcc g++ build-essential
   

3. For Fedora users:

   sudo dnf install gcc gcc-c++
   

Problem: “Permission denied” errors

• Make sure you’re using sudo before commands
• Make sure your user account has sudo privileges

Problem: “Package not found” errors

For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Then try the installation commands again.

For Fedora:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf update

Then try the installation commands again.

Problem: Installation is very slow

• This is normal - the packages can be large
• Make sure you have a stable internet connection
• Try again later if servers seem busy

Quick Summary

Here’s what you just accomplished:

1. Identified your Linux distribution
2. Installed GCC (your C/C++ compiler)
3. Tested that everything works

What’s Next?

Now that you have a working C/C++ compiler:

1. Install VSCode - Follow the VSCode Setup Guide to get a nice editor
2. Write your first program - Try creating more C/C++ programs
3. Practice - Get comfortable with compiling programs using gcc and g++

Understanding What You Installed

• gcc = The C compiler (turns .c files into programs)
• g++ = The C++ compiler (turns .cpp files into programs)
• build-essential (Ubuntu/Debian) = Package containing essential build tools
• Development Tools (Fedora) = Group package with development essentials

Your Linux system is now ready for C/C++ programming!

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Troubleshooting Tips:

• Use man gcc to read the compiler documentation
• If something doesn’t work, try restarting your terminal
• Keep Terminal open while programming - you’ll use it frequently

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