If you're a software developer working on Linux Ubuntu, chances are you have encountered the need to use multiple versions of the GCC compiler. Whether it's due to project requirements or personal preference, having the ability to switch between different versions of GCC can be a valuable tool. However, getting the MAKE command to cooperate and choose the correct version can be a bit of a challenge. In this article, we will explore the steps to make this process smoother and easier.
Before we dive in, let's first understand why having multiple versions of GCC can be useful. GCC, or GNU Compiler Collection, is a collection of programming language compilers that are commonly used in the development of Linux applications. Each version of GCC comes with its own set of features and improvements, making it crucial for developers to have the ability to switch between them. Additionally, some projects may require a specific version of GCC in order to compile and run properly.
Now, let's get to the main topic – how to use multiple versions of GCC and force MAKE to choose the correct one. The first step is to have all the necessary versions of GCC installed on your system. You can check which versions are currently installed by using the command "gcc --version". If you do not have the desired version, you can easily install it using your package manager.
Next, you need to set up your environment variables. These variables tell the system which version of GCC to use when compiling. One way to do this is by using the "update-alternatives" command. This command allows you to manage symbolic links used for different versions of GCC. You can use the following command to add a new version of GCC to the list of alternatives:
sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/gcc gcc /usr/bin/gcc-<version> <priority>
Replace <version> with the version number you want to add and <priority> with a number that represents the priority of this version. The higher the number, the higher the priority. This will ensure that the specified version of GCC is chosen when there are multiple options.
Once you have added all the necessary versions, you can use the "update-alternatives" command again to set the default version of GCC. This can be done by using the "--config" flag, followed by the name of the alternative you want to set as default. For example, if you want to set GCC version 9 as the default, you would use the following command:
sudo update-alternatives --config gcc
This will bring up a menu where you can select the desired version.
Now that you have set up your environment variables, it's time to force MAKE to use the correct version of GCC. This can be achieved by specifying the "CC" variable in your MAKE command. For example, if you want to use GCC version 9, you would use the following command:
make CC=gcc-9
This will ensure that MAKE uses the specified version of GCC during the compilation process.
In some cases, you may also need to specify the "CXX" variable for C++ projects. This can be done in a similar way as the "CC" variable, by using the following command:
make CXX=g++-9
By now, you should be able to use multiple versions of GCC and force MAKE to choose the correct one. However, keep in mind that this method only works for projects using the MAKE command. If you are using a different build system, you may need to adjust the steps accordingly.
In conclusion, having the ability to use multiple versions of GCC on Linux Ubuntu can be a powerful tool for developers. With proper environment variable setup and using the correct syntax in the MAKE command, you can easily switch between versions and ensure that your project is compiled with the desired version. This can save you time and effort, and ultimately lead to a smoother development process. Happy coding!
