./a.out results '.' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file

Question

I am very new to c++ and using the command prompt.

I have multiple .cpp and .h files that run fine on my IDE (Code::blocks) running GNU GCC as the compiler. It displays what I need it too but when I try to use the command prompt and type "g++ file1.cpp file2.cpp ...." then "./a.out

I get the error "'.' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file." I have cygwin64 with the proper g++, cdb, make packages installed and the path setup.

what have I messed up?

Answer 1

In command-prompt you just add executable filename (e.g. out.exe)

In powershell run the executable file like .\out.exe.

The command :

g++ -c [source file].cpp produces object file [source file].o

And The command :

g++ -o [executable file] [object file].o produces object file [executable]

For example Compiling "hello.cpp" into executable "hello.exe" in one step and running it :

Z:\cpp> g++ -o hello.exe hello.cpp
Z:\cpp> hello.exe

Create the exe file using object files :

Z:\cpp> g++ -c file1.cpp
Z:\cpp> g++ -c file2.cpp
Z:\cpp> g++ -o out.exe file1.o file1.o
Z:\cpp> out.exe