Avoid linking to libstdc++

Question

I'm working on an embedded project that currently uses C in Linux and uClibc. We're interested in moving it to C++, but I don't want the overhead associated with linking in libstdc++. My impression is that this is possible provided we don't use anything from STL, such as iostream or vector.

How does one direct g++ to compile without linking to libstdc++?

Answer 1

You could use

g++ -nodefaultlibs -fno-exceptions a.cc

But you cannot use all c++ features this way...

Answer 2

When you compile, use g++ -c to compile only. Then for linking, use ld instead of g++. This invokes the linker directly, which requires you to name all your libraries on the command line (including libc and libcrt), however.

Alternatively, if you're using g++ as a "better c", you may be able to use gcc for your final link step (which will include libc automatically)

Answer 3

For the sake of completeness and correctness:

g++ -c -fno-exceptions a.cpp
gcc a.o -o a