C Get Started

Install a compiler and run a program.

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C code must be compiled into a program before it runs.

Install a compiler: GCC (via MinGW-w64 or MSYS2 on Windows; preinstalled on most Linux), or Clang on macOS (Xcode tools).
Save your code as hello.c.
Compile: gcc hello.c -o hello
Run: ./hello (or hello.exe on Windows).

IDEs such as Code::Blocks, CLion and VS Code (with the C/C++ extension) make this easier.

Key Takeaways: C Get Started

Mastering C Get Started helps you write clean and reliable C code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.

C Get Started Code Example

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Compiled with GCC and running!\n");
    return 0;
}

Output

Compiled with GCC and running!

Run this example on your own computer. The "Get Started" lesson shows how to set it up.

C Get Started Practice Exercises

Check what you learned in “C Get Started”.

/ 2 solved

Fill in the blank

Compile hello.c into a program called hello with GCC.

 hello.c -o hello

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

Multiple choice

What must happen before a C program can run?

It must be compiled It must be interpreted by a browser Nothing It must be zipped

✓ Correct! Not quite. Try again.

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C Get Started

💡 Key Takeaways: C Get Started

C Get Started Code Example

C Get Started Practice Exercises

Key Takeaways: C Get Started