Installation and use of Code::Blocks programming environment

• MS-Windows (the order of installation is important!):
  1. Install MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows):
     Download the stable MinGW 20120426 version and install it in directory "C:\MinGW".
     For more information and newer versions see the MinGW website.
  2. Install the GLUT library:
     Download the freeGLUT archive in the "C:\MinGW" directory, unpack and place
     • .h files in directory "C:\mingw\include\GL",
     • "libfreeglut.a" in directory "C:\mingw\lib" and
     • "freeglut.dll" in directory
         "C:\windows\system32" for the 32 bit version of Windows,
         "C:\windows\SysWOW64" for the 64 bit version of Windows.
  3. Install Code::Blocks:
     Download Code::Blocks and install.
     Or take the last version (...setup.exe) from the Code::Blocks website (Code::Blocks->Downloads->Binaries).
     More information on this website.
  4. Run Code::Blocks:
     
     • First time: add libraries for graphics applications using OpenGL and GLUT via Settings->Compiler and debugger->Linkersettings:
         freeglut.dll, glu32.dll and opengl32.dll in directory "C:\Windows\System32\"
         libfreeglut.a, libglu32.a and libopengl32.a in directory "C:\MinGW\lib\"
     • First time: add search directories via Settings->Compiler and debugger->Search directories:
         "C:\MinGW", "C:\MinGW\lib", "C:\MinGW\include", "C:\MinGW\include\GL"
     • First time: add compile and link options via Settings->Compiler settings->Other options:
         -lglut -lGLU -lGL
     • Now you may create a new .c source file by selecting File->New->Empty File, or choose an existing .c source file via File->Open.
       Edit/modify the file, build and run.
       NB: You don't have to use a Code::Blocks Project, just keep it simple! :)