Windows
Linux
Developer Tools
Compilers
Windows cl.exe compile C equivalent in Linux
Compiles a C source file into an executable.
Windows
→
cl.exe compile C
Linux equivalents
gcc main.c -o app
gcc main.c -o app
gcc main.c -o app
Overview
What this command does
Compiles a C source file into an executable.
Migration tip: Check the distro-specific rows before copying; package names and service names can differ even when the tool name is similar.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Compile C program
Compiles a C source file into an executable.
gcc main.c -o app
Compile C program
gcc --help
Show command help when supported
man gcc
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
gcc main.c -o app
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: cl.exe compile C
gcc main.c -o appReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
gcc main.c -o app | Compile C program |
gcc --help | Show command help when supported |
man gcc | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The equivalent is shown for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch. Some rows use a different package manager or helper tool where Linux distributions commonly diverge.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | install with apt when missing | gcc main.c -o app |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | install with dnf when missing | gcc main.c -o app |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | install with pacman when missing | gcc main.c -o app |
Same command on this distribution. |
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