Installing a C Compiler for Windows 10 PowerShell: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to developing applications that require compilation, having a reliable C compiler is essential. In this article, we will explore how to install a C compiler on your Windows 10 machine using PowerShell.

Firstly, you may be wondering why you need a separate installation of the C compiler when Visual Studio has its own built-in compiler. The answer lies in the versatility and flexibility that the standalone C compiler offers. You can use these tools at the command line to compile and build your projects, giving you more control over the compilation process.

The C/C++ compilers, linkers, assemblers, and other build tools are all part of the platform toolset provided by Microsoft. A platform toolset contains all the necessary tools for a specific Visual Studio version, making it easier to manage and maintain your development environment.

To get started with installing a C compiler on your Windows 10 machine, you will need to download the Visual Studio Installer from the official Microsoft website. Once downloaded, run the installer and choose the 'Individual components' option to select which tools you want to install.

For C++ development, you can select the 'Visual C++ build tools workload' to install only the essential tools needed for building C++ applications. Alternatively, you can opt for the more comprehensive Visual Studio platform toolset if you need access to a wider range of development tools and libraries.

When installing the Visual Studio Installer, make sure to select the optional MSVC v140 build tools if you want to use the Visual Studio 2015 toolset to build your code. You can also customize your installation by selecting specific libraries and toolsets under 'Installation details'.

If you only need the command-line toolset for C++ development, you can download the Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017 instead of installing the full Visual Studio IDE.

In conclusion, installing a C compiler on your Windows 10 machine is a straightforward process that provides you with the flexibility and control needed to compile and build your applications. By following these steps, you will be able to install the necessary tools and get started with developing your next project using PowerShell.

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