gcc and g++ command prompt compiling and linking

Question

Hey there, I have a small problem with compiling and linking with the command prompt(windows xp). Every .c file and .cpp file I compile or link has to be in the same directory as gcc (C:\Program Files\gcc\bin) and its quite hard to keep track of my files among all those gcc related files and its annoying too:). My question is how do I compile a file in a desktop folder using the command prompt?

usually I go:

c:\program files\gcc\bin> gcc -c test.c test2.c

when my source files are in bin.

What command do I use to compile When a file is situated elsewhere.

Answer 1

Add this c:\program files\gcc\bin to PATH environment variable. And then you can execute gcc/g++ from any directory

Answer 2

sounds like you dont have gcc in your PATH environment variable. Either add c:c:\program files\gcc\bin to this variable or call it with the absolute path name from whatever source directory your files are in

Answer 3

Right Click My COmputer. GO to properties. Go to advanced tab. There is a button below Environment Variables. Find "PATH" in the global environment variables. Add

c:\program files\gcc\bin

after appending the semicolon at the end of previous entry.