View source for MINGW Development Package

This tutorial shows you how to compile a C/C++ program in windows using Eclipse and MINGW.  '''MINGW''' stands for "Minimalist GNU for Windows".  Remember that GNU is the linux-based compiler and hence if we want to use it for Windows, we have to have certain executable(s) to be running in Windows.

== Development Package ==
You can get the same development package as the one we promote for ARM processors.
* Get the Development Package and unzip in your C drive
*:  '''[https://sourceforge.net/projects/armdevpkg/files/: SourceForge SJSU Development Package]'''
*:  '''It is important to NOT unzip at your desktop'''
*:  '''The unzipped path should not have spaces'''
<br/>

== Open Eclipse and Create New Project ==
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'''1.'''  Open Eclipse.
<br/>&nbsp;&nbsp; Always open the MINGW batch file 
<br/>&nbsp;&nbsp; since it sets up environment variables for you.
| [[File:mingw_open_eclipse.png|left|frame|100px|Open MINGW bat file in your development package directory]]

|-
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'''2.'''  Create a new C/C++ Project
<br/>
*  Go to '''File''' --> '''New''' --> C++ Project
*  Name your project anything you want, preferably without spaces.
*  Choose '''Executable''' --> '''Hello World C++ Project''' and '''MINGW GCC'''
*  Then click '''Finish'''
| [[File:mingw_new_project.png|left|frame|Create New Eclipse C++ Project]]
<BR/> [[File:mingw_new_project_properties.png|left|frame|100px|Create New Eclipse C++ Project]]

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'''3.'''  Write your source code
<br/> &nbsp;&nbsp; Copy the simple source code on the right.
| 
<syntaxhighlight lang="c">
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    /* Without this, printf() will not work */
    setvbuf(stdout, 0, _IONBF, 0);
    setvbuf(stdin,  0, _IONBF, 0);

    /* Write rest of your code here */
    printf("Hello World\n");
    return 0;
}
</syntaxhighlight>

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'''4.'''  Run your program
<br/>
*  First, build your program by going to '''Project''' --> '''Build Project'''
*  Now, go to '''Run''' --> '''Run'''
*  The output will appear in the '''Console''' tab below.
| [[File:mingw_run_project.png|left|frame|100px|Run your project]]


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'''4.'''  Optional : Debug your program
<br/>
*  To perform debugging or run your code one line of code at a time, you can perform debugging.
*  Now, go to '''Run''' --> '''Debug'''
*  Your program will now "pause" at the '''main()''' function.
*  You can now use the '''Run''' menu to execute one line at a time.
*  Other hints :
*:  Double clicking on the code window sets a breakpoint.
*:  You must press the red stop button to stop your program.
| [[File:mingw_debug_project.png|left|frame|100px|Debug your project]]

|}

== Hints & Troubleshooting ==
*  '''How do I run FreeRTOS simulator ?'''
*:  The easiest method is to use one of the existing projects.  Open up '''Win32_Mingw_Tasks''' and write your source code there.
*:  If you want your own dedicated project, you can copy and paste that folder, and '''IMPORT''' this new project into eclipse
*   '''Eclipse is unable to write to the executable'''
*:  It is possible that your program is already running, so terminate it using the Windows Task Manager