Running a C Program in Windows 10 Command Prompt
Running a C program in Windows 10 Command Prompt is quite straightforward. First, you’ll need to write your C code, then compile it using a C compiler like GCC, and finally, run the compiled program. The steps are simple, and we’ll walk you through each one.
How to Run C Program in Windows 10 Command Prompt
We’ll guide you through the process of running a C program using the Windows 10 Command Prompt. By the end, you’ll be able to write, compile, and execute C code directly from your command line.
Step 1: Install a C Compiler
First, install a C compiler, like MinGW or TDM-GCC.
Without a compiler, you can’t convert your C code into an executable program. MinGW is a popular choice because it’s easy to install and use.
Step 2: Write Your C Program
Next, write your C code using a text editor and save the file with a ‘.c’ extension.
Use any text editor you prefer, such as Notepad, VS Code, or Sublime Text. Make sure to save the file with a ‘.c’ extension, as this tells the compiler it’s a C program.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt
Open the Command Prompt by searching for ‘cmd’ in the Start menu.
Command Prompt is the tool you’ll use to compile and run your C program. You can open it by clicking Start, typing ‘cmd’, and pressing Enter.
Step 4: Navigate to Your Program’s Directory
Use the ‘cd’ command to navigate to the directory where you saved your C program.
For example, if your program is saved in ‘C:MyPrograms’, type ‘cd C:MyPrograms’ and press Enter. This tells Command Prompt where to find your C file.
Step 5: Compile Your Program
Compile your C program using the GCC compiler by typing ‘gcc yourprogram.c -o yourprogram’.
Replace ‘yourprogram.c’ with the name of your C file. The ‘-o’ flag specifies the output filename. If the compilation is successful, you’ll see no errors.
Step 6: Run Your Program
Run your compiled program by typing ‘yourprogram’ and pressing Enter.
If you named your output file ‘yourprogram’, type that name and hit Enter. Your C program should now run, displaying any output in the Command Prompt window.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your C program will execute, and you’ll see the results in the Command Prompt window. If there are any issues, you may need to troubleshoot your code or ensure your compiler is correctly installed.
Tips for Running C Program in Windows 10 Command Prompt
- Always save your C files with a ‘.c’ extension.
- Install MinGW or another GCC compiler for Windows.
- Use clear and simple directory names to make navigation easier.
- Check for typos in your command line instructions.
- Use comments in your C code to make it easier to debug.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I get a ‘gcc’ is not recognized error?
This means the GCC compiler isn’t installed correctly or isn’t in your system’s PATH. Reinstall MinGW or add GCC to your PATH environment variable.
Can I use any text editor to write my C program?
Yes, any text editor will work as long as you save the file with a ‘.c’ extension.
How do I know if my compiler is correctly installed?
Type ‘gcc –version’ in Command Prompt. If installed, it will display the GCC version number.
What if my program has errors during compilation?
Check the error messages for clues on what went wrong. They often point to the line number and type of error in your code.
Can I compile and run C++ programs in the same way?
Yes, you can. Just use the ‘.cpp’ extension for your C++ files and the ‘g++’ command to compile them.
Summary
- Install a C compiler.
- Write your C program.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Navigate to your program’s directory.
- Compile your program.
- Run your program.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Running a C program in Windows 10 Command Prompt is a handy skill, especially for beginners in programming. By following these steps, you’ll be able to write, compile, and execute your own C programs with ease.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you work with Command Prompt and C programming, the more comfortable you’ll become. If you’re curious to dive deeper, consider exploring more advanced topics like debugging or optimizing your code.
Happy coding, and enjoy the journey of learning C programming!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.