MINGW Development Package

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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.


Open Eclipse and Create New Project

1. Open Eclipse.
   Always open the MINGW batch file
   since it sets up environment variables for you.

Open MINGW bat file in your development package directory

2. Create a new C/C++ Project

  • 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
Create New Eclipse C++ Project

Create New Eclipse C++ Project

3. Write your source code
   Copy the simple source code on the right.

#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;
}

4. Run your program

  • First, build your program by going to Project --> Build Project
  • Now, go to Run --> Run
  • The output will appear in the Console tab below.
Run your project


4. Optional : Debug your program

  • 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.
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