How to Install GCC on Linux: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Rationale:
For developers and enthusiasts working on Linux, having the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) installed is crucial for compiling C, C++, and other programming languages. This guide will walk you through the process of installing GCC on various popular Linux distributions with clear, practical steps.

Hook:
Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first development environment or an experienced user refreshing your toolkit, getting GCC up and running smoothly is an essential first step. Let’s dive into how to install GCC quickly and hassle-free!

What is GCC and Why Do You Need It?

GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) is an open-source compiler system that supports a variety of programming languages, including C, C++, Objective-C, Fortran, Ada, and more. It’s the backbone of many open-source projects and crucial for software development on Linux systems.

Without GCC, you won’t be able to compile source code into executable programs—a fundamental part of coding in C or C++.

Step 1: Check If GCC Is Already Installed

Before installing, it’s good to check if GCC is already present on your system.

Open your terminal and enter:

gcc --version

If you see an output showing the GCC version, congratulations! You have it installed.

If you get a “command not found” error or similar message, proceed with installation below.

Step 2: Install GCC on Your Linux Distribution

On Ubuntu/Debian

Ubuntu and Debian use the APT package manager. To install GCC:

Update your package lists:

sudo apt update

Install build-essential, a package that includes GCC along with related tools:

sudo apt install build-essential

Alternatively, if you want to install only GCC without other tools:

sudo apt install gcc

Verify installation:

gcc --version

On Fedora

Fedora uses DNF as its package manager:

sudo dnf install gcc

You can also install related development tools with:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"

Again, verify installation:

gcc --version

On CentOS/RHEL

For CentOS 7 or RHEL 7 and above:

Use YUM or DNF depending on your version:

sudo yum groupinstall "Development Tools"

or (on newer versions)

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"

This installs gcc and related compilation tools.

Confirm installation:

gcc --version

Step 3: Compile a Simple Program to Test GCC

To ensure everything is working correctly, try compiling a simple “Hello World” program.

Create a file named hello.c with the following content:

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!\n");
    return 0;
}

Compile the program using gcc:

gcc hello.c -o hello

Run the resulting executable:

./hello

You should see:

Hello, World!

If yes — success! Your GCC compiler is ready to go.

Troubleshooting Tips

Missing dependencies: If installation fails due to missing dependencies or repositories, make sure your system updates are current (sudo apt update / sudo dnf update).
Multiple versions of GCC: You can have several versions of gcc installed side by side using tools like update-alternatives on Debian-based systems.
Permissions: Always run installation commands with sudo to have administrative privileges.

Conclusion

Installing GCC on Linux may seem daunting at first but it's straightforward once you know the package manager commands specific to your distribution. With this essential compiler installed, you're now ready to start compiling your own programs or contributing to open source projects.

Happy coding!

If you found this guide helpful or have tips of your own about using GCC on Linux, drop a comment below!

How To Install Gcc On Linux