Advertisement

MinGW for Windows

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 5.1.6
  • 3.4

    (100)
  • Security Status

Cathy Buggs
Cathy BuggsUpdated 10 months ago

Create applications for free

MinGW is an open-source development software that allows you to create Microsoft Windows applications. The software is formerly known as mingw32, and is written in C and C++ by the developers of MinGW Project. It was created to support the GCC—a collection of compilers for programming languages—of Microsoft Windows systems.

GCC is also called GNU Compiler Collection. The native Windows port of the GCC includes extensions to the MSVC (Microsoft Visual C++) runtime, which will support the functionality of C99—an old version of the C language standard. All software created through MinGW can be executed on 64-bit Windows platforms.

What is MinGW used for?

MinGW is a software that is responsible for compiling systems based on the GNU, GCC, and Binutils projects, and compiles and links the codes that need to run on all Win32 systems. The software provides compilers for Fortran, C, C++, and other tools. What you can find great about this software is that it doesn't rely on third-party C runtime DLL (dynamic-link library) files. However, within the program, it has a lot of jargon that can be overwhelming

Its name “MinGW” means Minimalist GNU for Windows. Hence, the software does not attempt to give you a POSIX runtime environment for POSIX application deployment. If you want POSIX app deployment, you can consider using Cygwin instead. Another great thing about this software is that it gives you every open-source programming toolset that you need to develop Windows applications. Therefore, this program is perfect for the easy and intuitive installation of GNU compiler collections.

Installation can be a nightmare

If you’re relatively new to programming, then this software is not the best option for you. You can opt for PowerShell, which is also a free open-source software. Now, while MinGW is known for its ease of use, the downloads are all over the place and there are several other kinds of downloads on top of each other. On top of that, the auto-installer does not work properly. There are also a lot of errors whenever you update from your sync repositories.

You can check out the internet for tutorials on how to install and use the program. However, most of them are conflicting. There are some broken links even on the official website, so it is really confusing, making installation a nightmare. One of the main reasons behind this issue is that the project has not been well-maintained by its developers, so it has become outdated. However, that doesn't discount the fact that the program is great for building native Windows apps.

Outdated but works just fine

Overall, MinGW is still a useful program if you want a unique way to use scripts natively on Windows. The software also makes it easy to search Windows files in a UNIX manner through its find command. However, you can experience quite a lot of issues when it comes to installing. Sometimes, you are going to have to do it manually. Still, this program is great for a minimalist way to get the job done.

A collection of freely available and freely distributable Windows specific header files and import libraries combined with GNU toolsets that allow one to produce native Windows programs that do not rely on any 3rd-party C runtime DLLs.

PROS

  • Great for building native Windows apps
  • Minimalist compiler
  • Contains open-source tools

CONS

  • Difficult installation
  • Outdated program

Program available in other languages


MinGW for PC

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 5.1.6
  • 3.4

    (100)
  • Security Status


User reviews about MinGW

Have you tried MinGW? Be the first to leave your opinion!


Advertisement

Explore More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.