Install a C compiler like MinGW-w64 and add its bin directory to the system PATH to enable command-line compilation. 2. Write and save your C code in Notepad with a .cpp extension. 3. Use the NppExec plugin to create a script that saves the file, changes to the current directory, compiles the code using g , and runs the resulting executable if compilation succeeds. 4. Optionally, assign a shortcut key to the script for quick execution. This setup allows Notepad to function as a lightweight C development environment by leveraging external tools, with the NppExec console displaying output and supporting basic input, making it suitable for small projects when a full IDE is not needed.
Compiling and running C code in Notepad isn't built-in — Notepad is just a text editor. But you can turn it into a lightweight C coding environment by connecting it with a compiler (like MinGW or g ) and using its Run feature or NppExec plugin. Here's how to do it step by step.

1. Install a C Compiler (MinGW or MinGW-w64)
You need a compiler to turn your .cpp
code into an executable.
-
Download MinGW-w64 (recommended):
Go to http://ipnx.cn/link/11110cf64018697137cadb77b6aee9f8 or use a pre-compiled build from http://ipnx.cn/link/04e35ab54388b691735c8b4231d387a1 (easy setup). Extract and install it (e.g., to
C:\mingw64
).-
Add the
bin
folder to your system PATH:- Example:
C:\mingw64\bin
- Press
Win S
, type "Environment Variables", and edit "Path" under System Variables. - Add the path to the
bin
folder. - Open Command Prompt and type
g --version
to verify it works.
- Example:
2. Write C Code in Notepad
- Open Notepad .
- Create a new file and write a simple C program:
#include <iostream> using namespace std; int main() { cout << "Hello, World!" << endl; return 0; }
- Save it as
hello.cpp
on your desktop or a folder of your choice.
3. Compile and Run Using NppExec (Recommended Method)
NppExec is a plugin that lets you run external commands from Notepad .
Install NppExec:
- In Notepad , go to Plugins > Plugins Admin.
- Search for NppExec, check it, and click Install.
- Restart Notepad if prompted.
Set up a script to compile and run C :
- Go to Plugins > NppExec > Execute... (or press
F6
). - Paste this script:
NPP_SAVE cd $(CURRENT_DIRECTORY) g "$(FILE_NAME)" -o "$(NAME_PART).exe" if $(EXITCODE) == 0 ( "$(NAME_PART).exe" )
-
Explanation:
-
NPP_SAVE
: Saves your file before compiling. -
cd $(CURRENT_DIRECTORY)
: Switches to your file’s folder. -
g
compiles the.cpp
file into an.exe
. - If compilation succeeds (
exit code 0
), it runs the program.
-
Click Save... and name it (e.g., "Compile and Run C ").
Now you can run it with
F6
or assign a shortcut later.
4. Optional: Assign a Shortcut Key
To run your script quickly:
- Go to Plugins > NppExec > Advanced Options.
- Under "Menu item", select your saved script ("Compile and Run C ").
- Click Add/Modify, then close.
- Go to Settings > Shortcut Mapper > Plugin Commands.
- Find your script and assign a key (e.g.,
F5
orCtrl F5
).
Now press that key to compile and run instantly.
Notes and Tips
- Output window: The program output appears in the NppExec console at the bottom of Notepad .
-
Input during runtime: The NppExec console supports basic input, but it’s limited. For programs needing user input, consider running
.exe
manually in CMD. -
Errors: If you see
'g ' is not recognized
, your PATH isn’t set correctly. -
Clean up: Add
del "$(NAME_PART).exe"
at the end if you want to delete the.exe
after running.
Basically, Notepad becomes a C playground when paired with g
and NppExec. It's not a full IDE like Code::Blocks or VS Code, but it's fast and lightweight for small projects. Just make sure your compiler is installed and in PATH — everything else is just automation.
The above is the detailed content of How to compile and run C in Notepad. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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