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gcc Command in Linux

gcc Command in Linux

By Team Scaler
2 mins read
Last updated: 1 Jan 2024
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Overview

The GCC command in Linux, which stands for GNU Compiler Collection, is an incredibly powerful tool used primarily for compiling and debugging programs written in C, C++, and other languages. The command gives developers a broad range of control over the compilation process, making it a vital tool in the Linux ecosystem.

Syntax of gcc Command in Linux

The basic syntax of the gcc command in Linux is as follows:

Where:

  • options: These are flags that modify the behavior of the GCC command in Linux.
  • source_files: These are the source code files to be compiled.
  • object_files: These are compiled files that you want to link.
  • -Ldir: This option specifies directories to be searched for libraries.
  • -llibname: This option links the program with a given library.
  • -o outfile: This option defines the name of the output file.

Options in gcc Command in Linux

  1. -o: The -o option is used to specify the name of the output file.

    For example -

    This will compile 'program.c' into an executable named 'program'.

  2. -Wall: The -Wall option enables all compiler's warning messages.

    For example -

    This will compile 'program.c' and display all warning messages.

  3. -g: The -g option enables debugging information.

    For example -

    This will compile 'program.c' with debugging information which is useful for gdb debugger.

Example Usages

  • Simple program compilation:

    Output:

    Explanation: This will compile 'program.c' into an executable named 'a.out'.

  • Compiling program with warnings:

    Output:

    Explanation: This will compile 'program.c' into an executable named 'a.out', showing all warning messages.

Tips

  • Use the -Wall flag to catch common errors and warnings during the development process.

  • To compile programs written in C++, use g++ instead of gcc.

  • Use the -g flag to generate debugging information when dealing with complex code that might require debugging.

Advanced Use Cases of gcc Command in Linux

  • Compiling multiple source files:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command compiles 'main.c', 'program1.c', and 'program2.c' together into an executable named 'a.out'.

  • Linking against a library:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command compiles 'program.c', links the resulting object file with 'libmylib.a' or 'libmylib.so' located in '/opt/lib', and produces an executable named 'program'.

  • Compiling with optimization:

    Output:

    Explanation: This command compiles 'program.c' into an executable named 'a.out' with level 2 optimization.

Conclusion

  • GCC command in Linux is a powerful tool for compiling and debugging programs.

  • Various options of gcc command allow fine control over the compilation process.

  • GCC supports multiple programming languages and allows linking against libraries.