Introduction

The instructions inside this document will guide you to installing, setting up, and using Cygwin to program in the CLion Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

This manual is for any users, beginner or experienced, who wish to begin coding using the C language. Any unknown vocabulary will likely be covered in the Glossary.

Table of contents

1. Introduction
   1. What are CLion and Cygwin?
   2. Prerequisites
   3. Is This Guide For You?
   4. Why Use CLion Over Other Programming IDES?
   5. Typographic Conventions
   6. Conclusion

What are CLion and Cygwin?

CLion is an IDE program created by JetBrains. CLion allows users to code in both C and C++ computer languages, for this document we will guide you towards using this IDE to code in C. JetBrains offers the use of CLions with a 30-day free trial.

To use CLion, you will need to install another program called Cygwin. Cygwin contains large collections of open source tools that will allow you to effectively code in the CLion IDE. For the use of CLion, we will be using Cygwin to download and use:

• gcc-g++
• gdb
• make

Prerequisites

To start following the instructions in this document, you will need:

• access to a computer
• any version of Windows (preferrably version 10)
• an internet connection to download the setups, and
• that’s all!
  
  Note: This guide was not made specifically for Mac users, as both the creators of this document are Windows users.

Is This Guide For You?

This document was made for any user who wishes to code in C, both experienced and inexperienced.

If you are interested in coding, and wish to start off by downloading the right programming IDE, then this document is for you!

Why Use CLion Over Other Programming IDES?

CLion offers an abundance of useful features and tips that will help you become a strong coding developer.

This includes:

• a debugger
• an error detector
• a code editor to help refactor and refine your code
• automatic code generator
• personal customizations
• and much more!
  
  All of these will help improve any coder, regardless of experience. And with a 30-day free trial, it would be a waste to not make use of this IDE!

Typographic Conventions

This document will use the following typographic conventions.

Note: This is the note icon to indicate to be aware of the following instruction.

Warning: This is the warning icon to indicate to be cautious of the following instruction.

Conclusion

If you are wanting to learn how to code in C, the first step is to find a good IDE.

To get started, click here to begin your first step!