How to Download and Install the Open Watcom C/C++ Compiler

Once you've installed Open Watcom (OW), you should see Open Watcom C-C++ on the Windows Program Menu. Click the Start button then move the cursor over Programs, The Open Watcom entry has a sub-menu and you want the fifth menu item, which is IDE. When you click this, the Open Watcom Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will open within a second or two.

The Watcom IDE

This is the heart of all development using OW. It contains project information and lets you compile and run applications. It is a bit dated looking and not a slick modern IDE like Visual C++ Express Edition, but it is an excellent and well tested compiler and debugger and is ideal for learning C.

On the next page Learn how to compile your first program.