How to Run C Program on Linux
Running a C program on Linux is a straightforward process that involves writing the code, compiling it, and then executing the compiled binary. Linux, being an open-source operating system, provides a robust environment for programming and offers a variety of tools to facilitate the development and execution of C programs. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to run a C program on Linux.
1. Install a C Compiler
The first step in running a C program on Linux is to install a C compiler. The most commonly used compiler is GCC (GNU Compiler Collection). You can install GCC using the package manager of your Linux distribution. For example, on Ubuntu, you can install GCC by running the following command in the terminal:
“`
sudo apt-get install build-essential
“`
This command will install GCC along with other essential tools required for compiling C programs.
2. Write Your C Program
Once GCC is installed, you can start writing your C program. Open a text editor of your choice, such as Vim, Nano, or Gedit, and create a new file with a `.c` extension. For instance, `hello.c`. Enter the following code as a simple “Hello, World!” program:
“`c
include
int main() {
printf(“Hello, World!”);
return 0;
}
“`
3. Save and Compile the Program
After writing your code, save the file with the `.c` extension. In our example, the file is `hello.c`. Now, open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the file is saved. To compile the program, use the following command:
“`
gcc hello.c -o hello
“`
This command tells GCC to compile the `hello.c` file and create an executable named `hello`. The `-o` flag is used to specify the output file name.
4. Run the Executable
Once the compilation process is complete, you can run the executable by typing the following command in the terminal:
“`
./hello
“`
If everything is set up correctly, you should see the output “Hello, World!” displayed in the terminal.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any errors during the compilation or execution process, here are a few common issues and their solutions:
– Ensure that you have installed GCC correctly.
– Check for any syntax errors in your code.
– Make sure that the file name and extension are correct.
– Verify that you have the necessary permissions to execute the binary.
By following these steps, you should be able to run a C program on Linux without any issues. Happy coding!
