Trying to compile and debug C++ from Vim

Question

I've been learning C++ and Allegro using Code::Blocks on Windows XP, and recently felt like learning Vim. However, I have no idea how to compile a program "manually" (i.e., without using an IDE).

For compiling from within Vim, I have gotten as far as setting the makeprg to gcc, but I understand I also need a makefile. What is that and how do I write one? Is it with the makefile that I can use libraries such as Allegro?

Also, I've gotten quite fond of the CB debugger (I'm using gdb). Is it possible to do something similar with Vim?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Look at MinGW. I would avoid Cygwin if you only need gcc and make. You'll want both MinGW and MSYS. MSYS has a windows port of make.

If you're interested in more unix utlities for the windows command line I recommend CoreUtils.

For learning make see the manual