Install C Compiler & IDE (Turbo C++)
The most popular IDE for C language for beginners is Turbo C/C++. In this tutorial, we will cover the installation steps for Turbo C and will also share a few other IDE(integrated development environment) that you can use for C programming.
What is an IDE?
An IDE or Integrated Development environment is a software, which has a code editor, along with the compiler of the programming language too, hence you do not need to install anything else.
An IDE has all the required features to manage your source code, like File handling, Edit options, etc. while it also has the support for different programming language environments too, for which it has in-built compilers/interpreters installed.
Many IDEs allow installing 3rd party plugins to further enhance the features of the IDE.
Turbo C is an IDE used for writing code in the C language. And you can also, compile and run your code using Turbo C itself. Turbo C++ is the upgraded version of Turbo C, which can also be used for C language programming.
The C++ compiler supports the C language syntax as the C++ language is built on top of the C language.
There are other IDEs too that you can use for C programming, like:
- Dev-C++ (Download from here: Download Dev-C++)
- Eclipse (Download Eclipse IDE)
If you are a beginner, we recommend using Turbo C or Turbo C++.
Installing Turbo C/C++ for Windows 7/8/10
Let's see how we can install Turbo C for writing C programs.
Step 1. Start by downloading the IDE installer
You can download the Zip file from this link: Download Turbo C
Step 2. Unzip the file to see the Installer file
Next use WinRar or any other software to see what is there in the zip file you downloaded.
Step 3. Start the Installation
If you are a Windows OS user, click on the .msi file for starting the installation.
You will see the InstallShield Wizard for Turbo C/C++, click on the Next button.
And the installation should start. Now sit back and wait for the installation to get complete.
Once the installation is complete, you will see the following window, check on the Launch the program checkbox(if not already checked) and you click on the Finish to start the Turbo C/C++ IDE, to start writing the C language code.
Step 4. Start Turbo C/C++ IDE
To start the IDE, you can either create a shortcut on your desktop to easily start the IDE every time. Or open the Start menu, and search for Turbo C and you will the application there.
Click on the Turbo C++ app option and you will see the following Window. Then click on the Start Turbo C++ button to launch the IDE application.
And this is how it will look. Bluuueee!
Other IDEs for C Programming
You can use the Dev-C++ IDE or the Eclipse IDE for C programming. We have shared the download link for both in the introduction of IDE.
If you want a more modern C/C++ IDE for writing C programs then you should try Dev-C++ as it is not as complex as the Eclipse IDE, while has many features which the basic Turbo C/C++ IDE lacks.
Conclusion:
In this tutorial, we learned what is an IDE or Integrated development environment, which IDEs can be used for C programming and how to install the most popular C language IDE which is Turbo C/C++ step by step.
