How to use GCC and Vim on Windows
Most of the GNU tools are available for not just Linux, but other platforms as well. Windows users now have the option of using Ubuntu via WSL. However, many times, you just want to use GCC (C/C++) and (sometimes vim) for programming and don’t want the entire Linux environment.
What you need to install?
MinGW for the compiler, and GVim for ViM.
Installing ViM
- Pretty easy. Download from here the Windows build of ViM.
- Start the installation and make sure to check all the checkboxes in installation menus.
- After installation completes, you can find shortcuts on your desktop and also access from the Command Line.
Installing MinGW
- Download the latest version of MinGW.
- Run the downloaded file as administrator.
- Select the options as shown in the screenshot below and Apply chanages under Installation menu. The installation will proceed.
The installation is almost done. You just need to add it to PATH.
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On Desktop, right click on This PC or My Computer icon and select Properties. Alternatively, you can also search for Environment variables in Start menu.
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In the window that appears, click on Advanced System Settings in the left column.
- Select Environment variables in the Window that appears.
- Highlight the Path variable in the System variables section and click on Edit button.
- Add the required path to end of paths in dialog, placing a semicolon at the end as shown in the screenshot. Make sure the path “C:\MinGW\bin” exists on the system. In any case, you have to enter the correct path.
- Fire up the command prompt to check if things are set up and working.
Bravo! You are done.
Written on February 17, 2017