How to Use the Command 'tcc' (with Examples)

The Tiny C Compiler (tcc) is a lightweight and incredibly fast compiler for C language, designed to perform not only compilation but also linking of the source code. Its standout feature is its ability to execute C source files like scripts directly from the command line, without the need for a separate compilation step. This simplicity and speed make it an attractive tool for developers who want rapid iteration and testing. Along with these features, tcc offers a set of command-line options that are similar to the more widely known GNU Compiler Collection (gcc).

Use case 1: Compile and Link 2 Source Files to Generate an Executable

Code:

tcc -o executable_name path/to/file1.c path/to/file2.c

Motivation:

When working with C projects that include multiple source files, quickly compiling and linking them into a single executable is essential. This is where the tcc command shines—it allows you to compile and link multiple files in one simple command. By doing so, it allows a developer to produce a standalone executable ready for execution almost instantaneously, which is particularly useful during the development phase when frequent testing and updates are required.

Explanation:

• tcc: This is the command to invoke the Tiny C Compiler.
• -o executable_name: This option specifies the name of the output file. Here, tcc is directed to create an executable file with the name executable_name.
• path/to/file1.c path/to/file2.c: These are the paths to the C source files that you want to compile and link. tcc takes these files and processes them according to the provided options.

Example Output:

After executing the command, you should have an executable file named executable_name in your current directory. Running this executable will produce the output programmed in your C source code, such as printing messages to the console or performing calculations.

Use case 2: Directly Run an Input File Like a Script and Pass Arguments to It

Code:

tcc -run path/to/source_file.c arguments

Motivation:

Sometimes, the overhead of constant compilation can interrupt the workflow, especially during the testing phase of development. If you’re iterating on a command-line tool or a small script written in C, using tcc to run the file directly can save time and streamline the process. This functionality allows developers to use C code as if it were a script, facilitating rapid feedback and debugging.

Explanation:

• tcc: This invokes the Tiny C Compiler.
• -run: This option tells tcc to compile and execute the C source file immediately, without creating an intermediate binary output file for execution.
• path/to/source_file.c: This specifies the path to the C source file that you wish to execute.
• arguments: These are the arguments that you pass to the C program, much like the arguments passed to a command-line script. They are directly available in your C program via the argc and argv variables in main().

Example Output:

When you execute this command, the output will be directly generated as per the logic in your C program. For example, if your C script were designed to echo its arguments, you would see each argument listed one after another in the console.

Use case 3: Interpret C Source Files with a Shebang Inside the File

Code in the beginning of your C file:

#!/full/path/to/tcc -run

Motivation:

The use of a shebang (#!) at the beginning of a file is a standard method in Unix-like operating systems to indicate which interpreter should be used to execute the file. For developers who wish to combine the powerful language features of C with the convenience of scripting, integrating a shebang with tcc offers a seamless, script-like execution model. This is exceptionally practical in cases where a program needs to be shared and used like a script but benefits from being written in C for performance reasons.

Explanation:

• #!: Known as a shebang, this tells the operating system to consider this script as executable and identifies which interpreter should be used.
• /full/path/to/tcc -run: This is the full path to the tcc executable with the -run option, which is used to compile and run the script. The path should point to the location where tcc is installed on your system.

Example Output:

After giving the source file execution permissions and running it, the output will be whatever is specified in your C program. For example, if your code included a printf statement that outputs “Hello, World!”, running the file would display “Hello, World!” in the terminal.

Conclusion:

The tcc utility provides an efficient and straightforward toolset for C developers, offering a variety of powerful command-line options to compile, link, and run C programs. Its speed and ability to execute C code directly as scripts make it an indispensable tool for rapid development and testing, offering several use cases that significantly enhance coding and development workflows in C.