How to compile a program in c with a fresh copy of windows? No External Software

Question

Is there any way to compile some Windows API code without installing any development environments to Windows?

Does Windows come with a C Compiler built in that I could just write some code in notepad, and run it through a cmd or a batch file?

Answer 1

.NET includes a command line compiler for C#. (not exactly what you asked for, but it might suit you.) I believe .NET is preinstalled on modern versions of Windows. Look in the folder \Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4* and see if you have a file called CSC.EXE. This is the command line compiler for C#.

See

• "How can I compile a .NET project without having Visual Studio installed?"

• Working with the C# 2.0 Command Line Compiler

• Is it possible to install a C# compiler without Visual Studio?

For more information and examples.

You can also get the free version of Visual Studio that supports C++. Download Visual Studio Community 2013

Answer 2

No version of Windows I am aware of comes with a C compiler.