Compiling Simple Hello World Program on Os X via Command Line

I've got a simple hello world example that I'm trying to compile on OS X, named hw.cpp:

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;
int main() {
  cout << "Hello world!" << endl;
  return 0;
}

I'd like to compile it using gcc, but I've had no success. I'd also like to hear the other options, like using Xcode ?

1

8 Answers

Try

g++ hw.cpp
./a.out

g++ is the C++ compiler frontend to GCC.
gcc is the C compiler frontend to GCC.

Yes, Xcode is definitely an option. It is a GUI IDE that is built on-top of GCC.

Though I prefer a slightly more verbose approach:

#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    std::cout << "Hello world!" << std::endl;
}
15
g++ hw.cpp -o hw
./hw
2
user@host> g++ hw.cpp
user@host> ./a.out

Compiling it with gcc requires you to pass a number of command line options. Compile it with g++ instead.

Also, you can use an IDE like CLion (JetBrains) or a text editor like Atom, with the gpp-compiler plugin, works like a charm (F5 to compile & execute).

The new version of this should read like so:

xcrun g++ hw.cpp
./a.out
2

Use the following for multiple .cpp files

g++ *.cpp
./a.out

You didn't specify what the error you're seeing is.

Is the problem that gcc is giving you an error, or that you can't run gcc at all?

If it's the latter, the most likely explanation is that you didn't check "UNIX Development Support" when you installed the development tools, so the command-line executables aren't installed in your path. Re-install the development tools, and make sure to click "customize" and check that box.

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Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.

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