starting trouble

[emi teliyadu]

I want to learn c++ and downloaded a gcc compiler. but the compiler isnt functioning. when i click on the application window, a black screen just flashes with the text:"c++.exe:no input files" What could be wrong?what do I do about it?

[mitrmkar]

You need to tell the compiler what to do by specifying files/options on the command line. Clicking on the compiler executable will not do much as you've already noticed.

Perhaps read a basic tutorial, I'd suggest you to go through sections;
0.4 Introduction to development
0.5 Installing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
0.6 Compiling your first program

Oh, and the documentation for GCC can be found here

[emi teliyadu]

hey thanks a lot!I managed to write a few programs using code::blocks but I still didnt get how to do it without using an IDE.:(

[mitrmkar]

hey thanks a lot!I managed to write a few programs using code::blocks but I still didnt get how to do it without using an IDE.:(

The simplest example to compile C++ code would be:

g++ helloworld.cpp -o helloworld.exe

Since you are taking the very first steps, perhaps you'd be better off sticking with the IDE, letting it handle the compiler/linker options and such. There are quite a few of them, see the GCC documentation (link above).

[jonsca]

Also make sure the compiler is in the path of whatever cmd console you are using. Under windows (I assume, since you have C++.exe) type "PATH = %PATH%;C:\MinGW\bin" (change the values for your system) which tacks that directory on to the existing path