CodeBlocks 8.02 Install for Windows

Home | Install | Projects

This page is written for use with CodeBlocks version 8.02, the intended audience is students not familiar yet with C++ programming or with such an integrated development environment (IDE). Use these notes to install CodeBlocks in your home and dorm room computers. If you find a lab not having CodeBlocks installed, please ask us to install it for you.

Download the setup file

Start a browser and go to the CodeBlocks Binary Download page
http://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/5

Version 8.02 is compatible with a number of Windows operating systems, including Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. There are also versions for Macintosh and Linux.

CodeBlocks is able to work with a number of compilers and debuggers. Without having any experience with or knowledge of other tools, as a Windows user I suggest that you download the setup file that includes the Minimalist GNU Windows tools (mingw) which includes the gcc compiler and the gdb debugger. Save the setup file to a conveninet location on your computer, such as C:\Downloads\CodeBlocks\

codeblocks-8.02mingw-setup.exe -- approx. 19MB to 20MB

Before continuing, perform a simple sanity check. Choose to view the details and compare the file size. Depending on the file system details, the file size should be in somewhere inside or near the range of file sizes listed above.

Install CodeBlocks with mingw tools

Open the downloads directory. Double click to start executing the setup program. After the install files unpack, the first setup wizard window appears, click 'Next'.

CodeBlocks is copyrighted and its use and distribution is licensed by the GNU General Public License (GPL). When we say that CodeBlocks is Free Software, we are referring to freedom rather than price. The GPL defines rules to protect this freedom. Please read the GPL and then click 'I Agree' to accept the terms of the license.

To accept the default for the components to install, click 'Next.' If you choose a different install directory, write it down so you don't forget. The default install directory for the CodeBlocks is:

C:\Program Files\CodeBlocks

Click 'Install' to start the install. After a few moments, if the 'Do you want to run Code::Blocks now?' window appears, click 'No'. Back in the install window click 'Next' and then 'Finish'. If you are running Vista, it may tell of a 'chance that the install may have failed' and that Vista is willing to tweak some settings to help you reinstall. If so, use the above instructions to repeat the install.

Running CodeBlocks the First Time

In the startup window, click 'All Programs' then 'CodeBlocks' and then again, 'CodeBlocks'.

Start => All Programs => CodeBlocks => CodeBlocks

The first time CodeBlocks starts, a window appears asking about settings. Click 'Okay' to accept the default value of 'GNU GCC Compiler' as the development tools. In the next window, if you have no other tools installed, you might like to have CodeBlocks associated with C and C++ files. Click to accept the default.

If the compiler choice window did not appear, then later, once CodeBlocks starts, then select the following:

Settings => Compiler and Debugger...

In the pop-up window, click 'Reset defaults' and click the windows to accept the defaults. A window should report that the 'GNU GCC Complier' was automatically detected. Click 'OK' then 'OK'.

Comments for System Administrators

As truly Free Software, the GNU General Public License welcomes you to install CodeBlocks on any number of computers, for any number of users. As a system adminstrator it is unfortanate that many Windows installers are written to install software only for personal use, so be sure to do some sanity checks.

Look for the CodeBlocks start menu programs folder. If you find it in your personal start menu programs area, be sure to move it to the 'All Users' start menu program area. This will ensure that all users will have access to the CodBlocks icons.
I'm not sure how to set the compiler choice for all users in advance. I'd appreciate it if you know. I'll put that information here as soon as I know how to do this. Without making such an assignement in advance, your users will be expected to select the proper compiler.

As I learn more about CodeBlocks, this web site will be updated. This webpage is Free Software Documentation, as such this document is copyrighted and licensed according to the GNU Free Documentation License.

Copright: 2008 by Jonathan Hill
Released: Sat Mar 22 14:20:03 EDT 2008