How to Compile C Programs

In many of my previous posts especially in the Programming section, I have used C as the programming language for writing the programs. If you’re new to C programming and find it difficult to compile the C source codes then this post is for you.

Here is a step-by-step procedure to install Borland C++ compiler 5.5 on your PC and compile the C programs.

How to Install Borland C++ compiler?

Follow the below steps to install Borland C++ compiler 5.5 on your PC:

1. Download Borland C++ compiler 5.5 (for Windows platform) from the following link:
   Download Borland C++ 5.5
2. After you download, run the file C++5.51.exe. The default installation path would be:
   C:\Borland\BCC55

How to configure Borland C++ compiler?

Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to configure the compiler:

1. After you install Borland C++ compier, create two new Text Documents.
2. Open the first New Text Document.txt file and add the following two lines into it:
   -I”c:\Borland\Bcc55\include”

   -L”c:\Borland\Bcc55\lib”
   Save changes and close the file. Now rename the file from New Text Document.txt to bcc32.cfg.
3. Open the second New Text Document (2).txt file and add the following line into it:
   -L”c:\Borland\Bcc55\lib”
   Save changes and close the file. Rename the file from New Text Document (2).txt to ilink32.cfg.
4. Now copy the two files bcc32.cfg and ilink32.cfg, navigate to C:\Borland\BCC55\Bin and paste them.

How to Compile the C Source Code (.C files)?

Here is a detailed instruction on how to compile C source codes:

1. You need to place the .C (example.c) file to be compiled in the following location:
C:\Borland\BCC55\Bin
2. Now go to the command prompt (Start->Run->type cmd->Enter)
3. Make the following path as the present working directory (use the CD command):
C:\Borland\BCC55\Bin
4. To compile the file (example.c) use the following command:
bcc32 example.c
5. Now if there exists no error in the source code, you’ll get a compiled executable module (example.exe) in the same location (C:\Borland\BCC55\Bin).
6. Now you have successfully compiled the source code into an executable file(.exe file).

NOTE: The above tutorial assumes that you’ve installed the compiler onto the C: drive (by default).