This manual provides a complete tutorial introduction to the GNU C and C++ compilers, gcc and g++.

Many books teach the C and C++ languages, this book teaches you how to use the compiler itself. All the common problems and error messages encountered by new users of GCC are carefully explained, with numerous easy-to-follow "Hello World" examples.

Topics covered include: compiling C and C++ programs using header files and libraries, warning options, use of the preprocessor, static and dynamic linking, debugging, optimization, platform-specific options, profiling and coverage testing, paths and environment variables, and the C++ standard library and templates.

Features a special foreword by Richard M. Stallman, principal developer of GCC and founder of the GNU Project.

All the money raised from the sale of this book supports the development of free software and documentation.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Compiling a C program

3 Compilation options

4 Using the preprocessor

5 Compiling for debugging

6 Compiling with optimization

7 Compiling a C++ program

8 Platform-specific options

9 Troubleshooting

10 Compiler-related tools

11 How the compiler works

12 Examining compiled files

13 Getting help