Code::Blocks is a great tool if you're learning to code because it compiles data in C, C++, and Fortran, and it works on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. We'll show you how to set it up, then we'll walk you through creating a basic "Hello World" C program!
Downloading Code::Blocks
Download the latest version of Code:
Navigate to the download page. Under the Windows section, select the “mingw-setup” variant; this is an all-in-one installer that includes all necessary tools. Select either download link to continue.
Select a download path.
After clicking a download link, a window will appear, prompting you to select a location to save the installer file. First, choose a save location, then click “Save” to continue.
Installing Code::Blocks
Launch the installer.
After the download completes, start the installer. The installer will be located in the location specified when it was downloaded.
Run the setup.
After launching the installer, the setup wizard will appear on screen. To continue, click the “Next” button.
Read the Software Agreement.
Read the end user license agreement. After reading, click “I Agree” if you agree to the terms and want to install the software.
Choose your components.
Make sure that “Full” installation is selected from the drop down menu at the top; this includes all necessary software components. After this is done, click “Next” to continue.
Choose the install path.
By default, Code::Blocks will install under C:Program Files (x86)CodeBlocks. If you want to use this, click “Install”, otherwise, use the “Browse” button to select a custom install path before starting install.
Wait for the installation to complete.
The installation will take several minutes to complete and will show its progress in the window.
Finish the installation.
When prompted, do not run Code::Blocks. First, complete install wizard.This is done by clicking the “Next” button on the installer screen, then clicking “Finish” on the completion page.
Setting Up Your C File
Launch Code::Blocks.
To launch the program, double click the Code::Blocks icon the installer placed on your desktop. If you do not have a desktop shortcut, the program can be found under Start–> All Programs —> Code::Blocks –> CodeBlocks.exe
Complete the compiler setup.
If prompted, accept GNU GCC Compiler as the default. To do this, click the entry for GNU GCC Compiler, then click “Set as Default”. To continue, click “OK”.
Set file associations.
If prompted, select the option to associate Code::Blocks with C and C++ file types, then click “OK”. This will allow you to open these types of files in Code::Blocks by default.
Create a new project.
On the main page, select the link next to the folder icon. This will open a new window in which you will set up your project.
Choose your project type.
On the “New from Template” window, select the “Files” heading on the left side of the window. Then, select the “C/C++ Source” option. Click “Go” to continue.
Use the Empty File Wizard.
Use the wizard to create and configure your C file. To continue, click “Next”.
Choose your file type.
Select the option to create a “C” file. Once selected, click the “Next” button to continue.
Set the file path.
Click the “…” button on the setup menu to open the explorer window to allow you to create your C file.
Select file name.
First, browse to the location you wish to save your C file in (it is recommended that you make a separate folder for each project). Next, choose a name for your C file. Finally, click “Save” to save your file with the name and location specified.
Finish using the File Wizard.
To confirm creation of your C file, click “Finish”.
Creating a Simple C Program
Enter source code.
To create your “Hello World” program, copy the code below into Code::Blocks. #include #include int main(){printf(“Hello World.n”);return 0;}
Run the program.
Click the “Build and Run” icon to run your program. This function compiles then runs your program in one convenient step.
View the program.
After running, a terminal window will pop up with the message “Hello World.” The process should return 0. If a different value appears, there may be an issue with your program. The execution time will vary based on the speed of your computer.
Tips
- If using MacOS or Linux, refer to the Code::Blocks Wiki for installation instructions.
- Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the software.
- If your program won’t run, use the logs in Code::Blocks to identify errors.