How can I add a default include path for GCC in Linux?

📝 Tech Blog: How to Set a Default Include Path for GCC in Linux 🐧💻

Are you tired of manually specifying the include directory every time you compile your code using GCC in Linux? 🤔🤯 Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we will explore a simple and universal approach to adding a default include path for GCC. 🛠️

The Problem 😥

One of our tech-savvy readers reached out to us with an interesting query. They wanted to include files from $HOME/include alongside the usual include directories when compiling with GCC in Linux. But, alas! They couldn't find an equivalent to $LD_LIBRARY_PATH for GCC includes. 😩☹️

Sure, they could add the directory at the command line or in the makefile, but they wanted a universal solution that could save their precious time and effort. 💪⏰

The Solution 💡💻

Luckily, we've discovered a nifty trick to set a default include path for GCC in Linux. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open your favorite text editor and create a new file, let's call it gcc_defaults.sh.

2. Type the following command in the newly created file:

   export C_INCLUDE_PATH=$HOME/include:${C_INCLUDE_PATH}

   This command sets the C_INCLUDE_PATH environment variable to include the desired $HOME/include directory.

3. Save the file and exit the text editor.

4. Now, we have two options to make our default include path work universally. Choose the one that suits you best:

   a) Option 1: Add the following line to your ~/.bashrc file:

   . /path/to/gcc_defaults.sh

   Whenever you open a new Terminal window or restart your system, this file will be sourced, and the default include path will be set automatically.

   b) Option 2: Alternatively, you can add the following line to your ~/.profile file:

   . /path/to/gcc_defaults.sh

   This option works if you are using a shell other than Bash, like Zsh or Fish. Your default include path will be set whenever you log in.

5. Finally, to apply the changes, either restart your system or run the following command in your Terminal:

   source ~/.bashrc

   or

   source ~/.profile

That's it! You have successfully set a default include path for GCC in Linux. 🎉 Now you can compile your code hassle-free without worrying about specifying the include directory every time. 🚀

Let's Recap! 🔍✍️

To summarize, here's what we learned in this blog post:

• There is no direct analogue to $LD_LIBRARY_PATH for GCC includes.

• We can set a default include path using the C_INCLUDE_PATH environment variable.

• Create a shell script file gcc_defaults.sh to set the default include path.

• Choose either ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile to source the gcc_defaults.sh file.

• Restart your system or use the source command to apply the changes.

Engage with us! 📣🤝

Do you find this tip useful? Have you encountered any similar hurdles while compiling your code? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 👇😄

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Keep coding and keep exploring! Happy tinkering with your code! 💻🔬

Disclaimer: The instructions mentioned in this blog post have been tested on Ubuntu 20.04. The steps may vary slightly depending on your Linux distribution.