A disadvantage of compilers is that the compiling step adds time to the development process because the whole program must be compiled each time a change is made. The executable program can be distributed without the source code, which makes it harder for anyone to steal the programming ideas that went into the program. The compiler, on the other hand, has to be specific for the operating system where the program will run.Ĭompilers usually produce code that will run faster than the alternative, interpreters. It is meant for humans and is the same on any operating system. Source code can be written on any platform. You feed your source code in to the compiler and it will either give you an executable program or a long list of error codes telling you why it couldn’t make the program.

It has to be converted to code that the computer can run. Source code cannot be understood and run by a computer in this state. You learn the C language to write source code. The compiler is the last step in turning your code into a program that runs on your computer. If you are relatively new to the Mac, you can develop your skills with a course on getting started with a Mac. What the heck is that? We’ll explain this and help you to get a C compiler for Mac up and running on your computer.

This is exciting! You think you are all set, and then it hits: they want you to have a compiler. You’ve registered for a course, you have your texts and manuals, and you’ve fired up your trusty Mac. You have finally made the move to become a programmer.

How to compile c++ in mac