Chapter 28. Using the GNU Compiler Collection and Other Programming Tools

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Basic Programming in C Under Linux

• Using the GNU Compiler Collection

• Building Java Applications with Eclipse

• Using the KDevelop Integrated Development Environment

• Using Anjuta to Create GNOME Applications

• Managing Collective Software Development with CVS and Subversion

• Creating RPM Packages

• Other Linux Programming Resources

Although GNU/Linux is many things, it has been and always will be a programmer's plaything. The GNU Project began with a C compiler and a text editor. Linux began as a porting project. Although the intertwined projects have grown considerably beyond their hobbyist roots, they will never completely outgrow them.

In this and the next few chapters, you'll learn about the tools SUSE Linux provides both the beginning programmer and the most seasoned software engineer. From simple compilers to full-blown integrated development environments (IDEs), Linux can help you program in dozens of languages and in an environment best suited to your style.

Open-source development isn't always a solitary task, however. Concurrent Versions System (CVS) and Subversion each make it easier to collaborate with others. And after you've created a quality program, you may want to make it readily available and easy to install for the public at large. For that, there are several solutions, most notably the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM).

This chapter focuses on some of the tools available for programming in C, C++, and Java. You'll also learn about a trio of Linux IDEs: Eclipse, KDevelop, and Anjuta. You'll see how CVS and Subversion can be used to manage your source code and collaborate with other programmers. Finally, you'll learn how you can use RPM to disseminate your final product.

This is not a book on how to program complex software programs, and novices should not expect to learn more than the barest rudiments here. Learning programming is a worthwhile, if challenging, pursuit. It is also one of the best ways to "give back" to the Linux community for all the wonderful applications you're using with your copy of SUSE Linux. If you are intrigued by what you read in this and in the coming chapters, there are more than a few good books on the subject, some of which will be highlighted here.