MinGW & Code::Blocks

I'm going to talk about MinGW and Code::Blocks. I know what you're thinking... "What did he just call me?" Well relax, I didn't call you any names. Eh yeah... I'll just dive right into it then...

MinGW

What is it?

MinGW is a contraction of "Minimalist GNU for Windows", is a port of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), and GNU Binutils, for use in the development of native Microsoft Windows applications. (from the mingw.org website)

What does it do?

This suite of tools will allow you to compile executables for Windows from the following languages:

• C++
  
• C
• Fortran
• Java
• Ada
• Assembly Language
  

Why should I get it?

It's free. It's also widely used and robust.

Ok, now that you know what MinGW is, you can forget about it. Unless you are an overachiever, in which case you can learn more here.

All you really need to know about MinGW is that MinGW is a free C/C++ compiler that comes bundled with Code::Blocks. You CAN use other compilers/debuggers with Code::Blocks, if you are some kind of wierd engineer working on DNA sequencing software on some database that resides on some ancient mainframe hardware that requires a certain build of a certain kind of compiler that only compiles a modified fortran dialect (chuckle, what a loser)...

Code::Blocks

What is it?

Code::Blocks is a free C++ IDE built to meet the most demanding needs of its users. It is designed to be very extensible and fully configurable. (from the codeblocks.org website) In short it is a highly advanced super-version of Notepad.exe.

What does it do?

This thing will let you type in the C/C++ script and then click a button and compile and execute it. Very cool. More information can be found here.

Why should I get it?

Ok this is kind of like asking the question would I rather walk to the store which is 5 miles away, or do I get in my car and ride on my butt to the store which is 5 miles away, letting the car do all the hard work. Yes in this case the software is the car. So unless you want to pretend you are a computer scientist from the late 1970's and like dealing with command line prompts, I highly recommend you get this software.

There you have it. Open Source software which will allow you to create your own software. How great is that? In this post I am only going to talk about what MinGW and Code::Blocks are and I have provided you with the links to the websites. I'll go over creating some simple programs next. So go ahead and download and install, and get ready for the ride of your LIFE! WOooooOOoO!

Code::Blocks / MinGW Bundle Download from Sourceforge