gcc Cheat Sheet

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GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) is a powerful and widely-used compiler suite for various programming languages. This cheat sheet provides essential commands and options to compile and manage code efficiently using GCC.

Introduction:

GCC supports several programming languages, including C, C++, and Fortran. It is a crucial tool for developers, providing a range of options to control compilation, optimization, and output.

Compiling C Programs:

Command	Description
`gcc [source_file.c] -o [output_executable]`	Compile a C program and generate an executable.
`gcc -c [source_file.c]`	Generate object files without linking.
`gcc -Wall [source_file.c] -o [output_executable]`	Enable most warning messages during compilation.

Compiling C++ Programs:

Command	Description
`g++ [source_file.cpp] -o [output_executable]`	Compile a C++ program and generate an executable.
`g++ -c [source_file.cpp]`	Generate object files without linking.
`g++ -Wall [source_file.cpp] -o [output_executable]`	Enable most warning messages during compilation.

Linking and Libraries:

Command	Description
`gcc [source_file.c] -o [output_executable] -l[library_name]`	Link with a specific library during compilation.
`gcc -L[path_to_library] -l[library_name]`	Specify the library path during compilation.
`ldd [output_executable]`	Display shared library dependencies.

Optimization:

Command	Description
`gcc -O[level] [source_file.c] -o [output_executable]`	Set the optimization level (0, 1, 2, 3).
`gcc -march=native [source_file.c] -o [output_executable]`	Optimize for the host machine’s architecture.

Debugging:

Command	Description
`gcc -g [source_file.c] -o [output_executable]`	Generate debugging information.
`gdb [output_executable]`	Start the GNU Debugger for debugging.

Preprocessor Directives:

Command	Description
`gcc -E [source_file.c]`	Run only the preprocessor and output the result.
`gcc -D[macro_name] [source_file.c] -o [output_executable]`	Define a macro during compilation.

Miscellaneous:

Command	Description
`gcc -v`	Display the version and configuration of GCC.
`gcc -print-search-dirs`	Print the default directories used by GCC.
`gcc -H [source_file.c]`	Display include file hierarchy during compilation.

Conclusion

This GCC compiler cheat sheet provides a handy reference for developers working with C, C++, and Fortran code. Whether you are compiling, linking, optimizing, or debugging, GCC offers a multitude of options to suit your needs. Use this cheat sheet to streamline your compilation process and enhance your understanding of GCC’s capabilities.

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