Should you use GCC or G++ for C++?

Both GCC and G++ are part of the GNU Compiler Collection, but they have different use cases. GCC is a general-purpose compiler that supports C, C++, and other languages, while G++ specifically compiles C++ code and automatically links the C++ standard library.

If you are compiling a C++ program, it’s recommended to use G++, as it ensures proper linkage to the C++ standard libraries. However, GCC can also compile C++ code if explicitly told to do so using the -x c++ flag.

Key Takeaways:

• GCC compiles multiple languages, including C++.

• G++ is optimized for C++ and automatically links standard libraries.

• For pure C++ development, G++ is the better choice.