C programming in UNIX environment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of programming in C within a UNIX environment, particularly for a user who lacks direct access to UNIX systems and is seeking alternatives while using Windows XP. Participants explore various tools, environments, and methods to facilitate C programming under these constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of using a compiler on Windows XP that can work in a UNIX environment.
  • Some participants suggest using FreeBSD as a similar environment or employing VMware to create a virtual UNIX environment on Windows.
  • Cygwin is recommended by multiple participants as a UNIX shell emulator that allows the use of GCC on Windows.
  • There are suggestions for using various text editors like emacs, vim, pico, or nano to write C programs within Cygwin.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of accessing a UNIX environment remotely via telnet or SSH from home, using lab machines as a resource.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of learning ANSI C, suggesting that it could resolve some issues related to cross-platform compatibility.
  • There is a mention of using a live Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, as an alternative for those without access to UNIX.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the utility of Cygwin and other alternatives for programming in C on Windows. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the best approach to take, and the discussion remains unresolved on which method is optimal for the original poster's needs.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of specific guidance on setting up Cygwin or using certain text editors effectively, as well as the potential dependency on the specific requirements of the C programming course.

brad sue
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Hi,
I have a question about C programming.
I am going to take a class of C programming and we are going to write the codes in a UNIX environment.

Because I do not have access to a "SUN" computer, is there a possibility to have a compiler that permits me to write under Windows XP but can work under UNIX system?

OR what do you suggest me in this case?

I hope that you understand what I mean.
Thanks

B
 
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use FreeBSD.. wouldn't that be a similar environment?

You could get VMware and install it as a virtual environment beside xp
 
Anttech said:
use FreeBSD.. wouldn't that be a similar environment?

You could get VMware and install it as a virtual environment beside xp

OK thank you very much for the tips.
B
 
cygwin is a very good unix shell emulator that i used for awhile while i still used windows
http://www.cygwin.com/
i suggest installing all packages
--shawn
 
If your in a unix environment you're probably going to use the Gnu C Compiler, otherwise known as GCC.

As shawnzyoo mentioned, Cygwin is probably your best bet. It comes with a windows port of GCC.
 
Shawnzyoo said:
cygwin is a very good unix shell emulator that i used for awhile while i still used windows
http://www.cygwin.com/
i suggest installing all packages
--shawn

Hi Shawnzyoo,
I try to download cygwin. I believe it works, but can you please give me some indication on how to create a C program with Cygwin?

I am new in the C programming! I try the emacs but I don't know how to use it.
(Of course I will need to compile and debbug those C programs)
Thanks

Brad
 
Last edited:
if you have all the correct packages installed
and want to use emacs, vim, pico, nano, or whatever
just type
emacs yourfilename.c (or cpp for c++)
it creates a file of "yourfilename" and opens it with emacs
then just code away and save it when you are done
then compile it (i think cygwin has the G++ compiler installed)
barring no errors, it should run just fine
--shawn
 
Live UNIX

:smile: That's not a very good solution but try it. It's live UNIX via Internet.
The address is http://sdf.lonestar.org"
Through DOS environment: Start->Run->"cmd" and then write "telnet"
Then in the telnet write:o sdf.lonestar.org.
Tobecome a new member type new and wait.
This is very efficient for the ones who don't have UNIX and want to have one!:biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I am new in the C programming! I try the emacs but I don't know how to use it.
You can use notepad too. (But I would suggest learning how to use emacs or even vim if you're that kind of person)
 
  • #10
Your school intends for you to program in a UNIX environment, but then doesn't give you access to a UNIX environment, or teach you how to set one up? I think you should be speaking to your professor, personally.

- Warren
 
  • #11
I bet they use Unix in the labs at school, but he wants to be able to work in his dorm room or at home and not have to go to the lab to work on his programs.

If this is an introductory C course, it's almost certainly going to do standard console-based I/O and not interact specifically with Unix system calls. That is, it will use standard C code that can (in principle) compile and run on any platform. So he should be able to use a Windows compiler. He just needs to find out how to set up a "console mode" project that doesn't use any Windows-specific libraries.

Another possibility is that he might be able to log onto one of the lab machines, or a server, from the dorm or home using a telnet or SSH client. Then he can use the lab's Unix environment (at least via the command line, perhaps not via X Windows) from his Windows machine. That's the sort of setup we use here for C and C++. When people work on programs in the lab, they actually telnet to a server that they can just as well access from home.

He should definitely talk to his instructor about what the possibilities are at his school.

[added: Oh gee, I just noticed the original question was posted at the end of December! So his class has probably finished by now. Maybe someone else can get something out of this thread, anyway.]
 
  • #12
Learn ANSI C.

Problem solved.
 
  • #13
The GNU g++ compiler for windows: http://math.claremontmckenna.edu/ALee/g++/g++.html

(It probably comes with cygwin).

ps: if you're runnin it in your dorm, why not get a live linux distro, such as, ubuntu?

pps: I though c++ code had a .cc extension :smile:
 

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