How to compile a program in c with a fresh copy of windows? No External Software

Question

Is there any way to compile some Windows API code without installing any development environments to Windows?

Does Windows come with a C Compiler built in that I could just write some code in notepad, and run it through a cmd or a batch file?

Answer 1

No, Windows does not come with a C compiler.

And I don't mean to sound patronizing, but why do you think it'd make sense for it to come with one? Sure, it'd be handy --- if it were a decent compiler --- but beside that, it is not required for normal OS operation. An optimizing compiler is a complex piece of software that would not see any use at all from most users (since most users aren't developers --- and even they might prefer using a compiler of their choice instead of something that just happened to be around).

I should note that at least some Linux distros also come without a compiler by default (as long as it's not needed as a dependency for something else --- which, granted, can happen easily).

Answer 2

.NET includes a command line compiler for C#. (not exactly what you asked for, but it might suit you.) I believe .NET is preinstalled on modern versions of Windows. Look in the folder \Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4* and see if you have a file called CSC.EXE. This is the command line compiler for C#.

See

• "How can I compile a .NET project without having Visual Studio installed?"

• Working with the C# 2.0 Command Line Compiler

• Is it possible to install a C# compiler without Visual Studio?

For more information and examples.

You can also get the free version of Visual Studio that supports C++. Download Visual Studio Community 2013

Answer 3

I think you may want Visual Studio Express. http://www.visualstudio.com/en-us/products/visual-studio-express-vs.aspx

You do not mention which version of Windows. Also Windows API calls are customarily built with Visual C++. Although you could build with C# or VB.NET and wrap the calls. As another poster mentioned, if your version includes a .NET, then there are command line building tools available

Answer 4

As others have pointed out, Windows does not come with a preinstalled C compiler. There are several good free one available for download (including a freeware version of microsoft visual c), but that does not mean you can't access with Windows API/SDK.

If you need to make API/SDK calls without the requirement you install anything, you can use Windows Script Hosting https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Script_Host. It supports a number of languages out of the box, such as Jscript, VBScript, and has the ability to add even more options. Using Windows Script Hosting you can create any call you require into the Windows API/SDK.

Newer versions of windows have started to move towards powershell which is even more powerful -- but is not yet universally available which might mean having to install addition software (which I assume is what you are trying to avoid).

Answer 5

No version of Windows I am aware of comes with a C compiler.