An Introduction to GCC (Paperback)

by Brian J. Gough (Author), Richard M. Stallman (Author) "The purpose of this book is to explain the use of the GNU C and C++ compilers, gcc and g++..." (more)
Key Phrases: Source-Level Debugger

Editorial Reviews

Review
A wonderfully thorough guide... well-written, seriously usable information -- Linux User and Developer Magazine, Issue 40, June 2004

Product Description
This manual provides a complete tutorial introduction to the GNU C and C++ compilers, gcc and g++.

Many books teach the C and C++ languages, this book teaches you how to use the compiler itself. All the common problems and error messages encountered by new users of GCC are carefully explained, with numerous easy-to-follow "Hello World" examples.

Topics covered include: compiling C and C++ programs using header files and libraries, warning options, use of the preprocessor, static and dynamic linking, debugging, optimization, platform-specific options, profiling and coverage testing, paths and environment variables, and the C++ standard library and templates.

Features a special foreword by Richard M. Stallman, principal developer of GCC and founder of the GNU Project.

All the money raised from the sale of this book supports the development of free software and documentation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Network Theory Ltd. (March 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0954161793
• ISBN-13: 978-0954161798
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #210,645 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First-rate introduction to gcc/g++ for the new user, September 4, 2005

By	C. J. Carter (Sierra Madre, California, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently started learning C++ with the freely-available GNU tools (gcc/g++/make, etc). This book was instrumental in my early success - it clearly and concisely explains the GNU C/C++ compilers, and how to use them. It is very well written and is packed with useful (essential) information. One very illustrative and important example explains the process of splitting up the classic introductory program 'Hello World!' into multiple source files, using a header file to do so. While adepts may sniff at this level of detail, when you start out you don't know how (or why) to take this step - and explanations are hard to come by. I was delighted to see this covered in this book.

This book started me out on my C++ adventure - thanks to it I am now at least competent with g++ and am still learning. My thanks to Gough and Stallman for such a helpful book - very highly recommended.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars gcc the easy way, April 29, 2005

By	Jeff Pike (Mechanicsville, VA United States) - See all my reviews

The clear and concise writing style makes GCC easy to understand for anyone. Those new to compilation with GCC and friends should start here. I wish I had an introduction like this when I was getting started. It could have save me a lot of research and confusion.

Most readers will move through the 87 pages comfortably. Gough explains the basics skipped by others. Goug's writing in concise and crystal clear. Each chapter has a couple of simple examples that really get the concepts across. Even someone who types slowly could get through this text and all the examples with ease. Those who choose this book will be rewarded with a clear understanding of GCC basics. Other commands covered include g++, ar, as, nm, file, ldd, ld, gcov, gprof, and cpp. Topics include compiling C compilation options, preprocessor, debugging, optimizing, C++, platform specific options, related tools, and troubleshooting.

I say four stars, because I'm going to need more detail on some things. However, this book is probably sufficient for many. The writing is great and the price is right. I'd buy it again.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars suitable for a new user, July 28, 2004

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

You might choose to regard this book by Gough as a natural complement to Stallman's 'Using GCC: The GNU Compiler Collection Reference Manual for GCC 3.3.1'. As you may know, Stallman wrote the original gcc. Gough pitches his book at a new user of gcc, or, for that matter, for a programmer new to C itself. Whereas the aforementioned book by Stallman is for experienced users.

Gough writes concisely. You should be able to quickly absorb the entire contents of the book. During which, learning about how to use gcc with various libraries and header files might also prove instructive in laying out a program, to be scattered across various *.c and *.h files. For those of you who strongly support the concept of open source code, there is the extra incentive that royalties from this book will go to those ends.