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How to Install GCC C/C++ Compiler on Debian 12: Ubuntu is an operating system that is based on Linux and is commonly used to run applications that are not based on Linux. Linux is a collection of open-source operating systems that are similar to UNIX. Additionally, in order to build and execute our C program file on Ubuntu, we will need to install the GCC Compiler. This will allow us to install C on Linux. Additionally, the GCC Compiler is a component of the build-essential package that we are required to install from the Ubuntu repositories.
In the world of software development, the GNU Compiler Collection, more commonly referred to as GCC, is an indispensable library of tools. In addition to being able to support a wide variety of programming languages, it is an essential component in the process of developing open-source software. This guide has been crafted especially for you if you intend how to Install GCC C/C++ Compiler on Debian 12 where both versions are available.
How to Install GCC C/C++ Compiler on Debian 12
Update the package lists

- Open a terminal window (Ctrl+Alt+T).
- Use the following command to update the package lists:
- sudo apt update
Install the build-essential
package:
- This package contains GCC, g++, and other essential development tools:
sudo apt install build-essential
Verify the installation
- Check if GCC is installed correctly:
gcc --version
Importance of Installing GCC on Debian 12
- Programming Language Compiler: GCC is a potent compiler that works with a variety of programming languages, such as C, C++, and Fortran. Because it allows developers working with these languages to compile and build their source code into executable programs, installing it is a must.
- Development Tools: Compilers, linkers, and other utilities are among the many development tools that GCC offers. For software development operations like code compilation, linking, and debugging, these tools are important.
- Open Source Ecosystem: The open source software movement is well-known to Debian. Installing GCC guarantees that developers can use open source tools and libraries in their projects. It is an essential part of the open source ecosystem.
- Kernel Module Compilation: GCC is required if you want to build and install new kernel modules or drivers on Debian 12. Compiling a lot of kernel modules is necessary, and installing GCC gives you access to the necessary tools.
- Package Building: GCC is essential for Debian package developers and maintainers. Building software packages from source code requires it in order to ensure compatibility and Debian platform optimization.
- The extensive use of GCC on a variety of platforms facilitates the development of software that is both portable and system-compatible. Developers can produce software that runs smoothly on Debian-based systems by installing GCC on Debian 12.
- Performance and Optimization: GCC has optimization tools that help make compiled code run more smoothly. Depending on the needs, developers can optimize their programs for speed or size using different compiler flags.
Additional Tools and Packages for C/C++ Development
Tool/Package | Description |
---|---|
gcc | GNU Compiler Collection for C and C++ |
g++ | GNU C++ Compiler |
make | Build automation tool |
cmake | Cross-platform build system |
gdb | GNU Debugger for debugging C/C++ programs |
valgrind | Memory debugging and profiling tool |
git | Version control system |
doxygen | Documentation generator for C/C++ code |
vim or emacs | Text editors often used for coding |
code::blocks | Integrated Development Environment (IDE) |
libboost-all-dev | Boost C++ Libraries development files |
System Requirements for Installing GCC on Debian 12
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Operating System | Debian 12 (Bookworm) |
Architecture | 64-bit (AMD64, x86_64) or 32-bit (i386) |
Disk Space | Approximately 150 MB |
Internet Connection | Required for downloading packages |
Privileges | Administrator privileges (sudo access) |
Package Manager | APT (Advanced Package Tool) |
Conclusion
The GNU Compiler Collection, also known as GCC, is a collection of open-source compilers and toolkits that are created by the GNU project. The GCC compiler is capable of converting the source codes of several programming languages, including C/C++, Objective-C, and Fortran, into machine code. In addition, GCC offers code optimization and error checking of the source code during the compilation process.
Additionally, it offers the tools that are required to debug the programs that have been produced for use. Compiling the source codes for several system architectures, such as ARM 32-bit, ARM 64-bit, x86_64, PowerPC, and others, is another capability of this software.
Questions and Answers
Because you are using Linux, the make application is most likely already installed on your computer. In that case, you can install it by using the commands that are listed below: Installing make using apt on Debian or Ubuntu. Installing yum and make on Fedora or RHEL.
When it comes to installing new software on Debian, the technique that is advised is to make use of Package Management tools in order to install packages from the official repositories. The majority of the software that you will wish to install should be contained within these repositories, which will allow you to avoid relying on sources from the outside.
The latest version of Debian is version 12.4. Additionally, it is known as stable or by its codename “Bookworm” at the present time. At least one software repository is associated with each CPU architecture, and each version corresponds to a collection of named software repositories.
It is possible to install Debian from the contents of a live install image, which contains a Debian system that can boot without altering any files on the hard drive. Additionally, a live install image allows for the installation of Debian.