How to Download, Install, and Use Code::Blocks

Last Updated: October 6, 2021

Code::Blocks is a great tool if you're learning to code because it compiles data in C, C++, and Fortran, and it works on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. We'll show you how to set it up, then we'll walk you through creating a basic "Hello World" C program!

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Downloading Code::Blocks

1
Download the latest version of Code::Blocks from their official site. Navigate to the download page. Under the Windows section, select the "mingw-setup" variant; this is an all-in-one installer that includes all necessary tools. Select either download link to continue.
2
Select a download path. After clicking a download link, a window will appear, prompting you to select a location to save the installer file. First, choose a save location, then click "Save" to continue.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Installing Code::Blocks

1
Launch the installer. After the download completes, start the installer. The installer will be located in the location specified when it was downloaded.
2
Run the setup. After launching the installer, the setup wizard will appear on screen. To continue, click the "Next" button.
3
Read the Software Agreement. Read the end user license agreement. After reading, click "I Agree" if you agree to the terms and want to install the software.
4
Choose your components. Make sure that "Full" installation is selected from the drop down menu at the top; this includes all necessary software components. After this is done, click "Next" to continue.
5
Choose the install path. By default, Code::Blocks will install under C:\Program Files (x86)\CodeBlocks\. If you want to use this, click "Install", otherwise, use the "Browse" button to select a custom install path before starting install.
6
Wait for the installation to complete. The installation will take several minutes to complete and will show its progress in the window.
7
Finish the installation. When prompted, do not run Code::Blocks. First, complete install wizard.This is done by clicking the "Next" button on the installer screen, then clicking "Finish" on the completion page.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Setting Up Your C File

1
Launch Code::Blocks. To launch the program, double click the Code::Blocks icon the installer placed on your desktop. If you do not have a desktop shortcut, the program can be found under Start--> All Programs ---> Code::Blocks --> CodeBlocks.exe
2
Complete the compiler setup. If prompted, accept GNU GCC Compiler as the default. To do this, click the entry for GNU GCC Compiler, then click "Set as Default". To continue, click "OK".
3
Set file associations. If prompted, select the option to associate Code::Blocks with C and C++ file types, then click "OK". This will allow you to open these types of files in Code::Blocks by default.
4
Create a new project. On the main page, select the link next to the folder icon. This will open a new window in which you will set up your project.
5
Choose your project type. On the "New from Template" window, select the "Files" heading on the left side of the window. Then, select the "C/C++ Source" option. Click "Go" to continue.
6
Use the Empty File Wizard. Use the wizard to create and configure your C file. To continue, click "Next".
7
Choose your file type. Select the option to create a "C" file. Once selected, click the "Next" button to continue.
8
Set the file path. Click the "..." button on the setup menu to open the explorer window to allow you to create your C file.
9
Select file name. First, browse to the location you wish to save your C file in (it is recommended that you make a separate folder for each project). Next, choose a name for your C file. Finally, click "Save" to save your file with the name and location specified.
10
Finish using the File Wizard. To confirm creation of your C file, click "Finish".

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Creating a Simple C Program

1
Enter source code. To create your "Hello World" program, copy the code below into Code::Blocks. #include <stdio.h>#include <stdlib.h>int main(){printf("Hello World.\n");return 0;}
2
Run the program. Click the "Build and Run" icon to run your program. This function compiles then runs your program in one convenient step.
3
View the program. After running, a terminal window will pop up with the message "Hello World." The process should return 0. If a different value appears, there may be an issue with your program. The execution time will vary based on the speed of your computer.

Community Q&A

Question

My program is not building. What do I do?

Community Answer

Refresh it, if that doesn't work, then turn off and then turn on your device. Finally, if that does not work, you should delete and reinstall it.
Question

I downloaded Code::Blocks, but entered the wrong settings. Now I know the correct ones, but even after uninstalling and downloading it again it does not ask me for the settings, and stays like it was before. What can I do?

joeypencil 881

Community Answer

When uninstalling Code::Blocks, there is a prompt which asks you if you want to retain your settings post-uninstallation. Decline this, allowing it to remove the previous settings, then install Code::Blocks again.
Question

What do I do if I'm trying to use Code::Blocks, but it's saying I don't have a GNU compiler?

Community Answer

Try uninstalling and reinstalling Code::Blocks again, it should show up when you initially download the program.