====== Code::Blocks for Windows ======

If you would like to use Code::Blocks instead of Visual Studio, there's a few things required in order to use for developing Orx projects.

These are:

  - Code::Blocks 16.01 minimum is required
  - You need to use a specific version and type of MinGW.


===== Getting Code::Blocks =====

Code::Blocks can be downloaded from: http://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/26

The version required is [[http://sourceforge.net/projects/codeblocks/files/Binaries/16.01/Windows/codeblocks-16.01-setup.exe|codeblocks-16.01-setup.exe]] which doesn't come with a compiler.

Run the installation and choose the default options. Then run Code::Blocks.



<WRAP center round important 90%>
When running Code::Blocks for the first time, a dialog box will appear with a list of auto-detected compilers on your system. If you already have a non-TDM version of mingw greater or equal to version 5.3.0, then select that and you are good to go. If not, OK the dialog box and continue reading.
</WRAP>

===== Which is the the right MinGW? =====

Code::Blocks needs a compiler. It doesn't ship with one in the setup version. But you will need to pick the right MinGW. There are a few variations around:

  - [[http://mingw.org|MinGW]] - this is the original vanilla project.
  - [[https://mingw-w64.org/doku.php/download/mingw-builds|Mingw-w64]] - this is a separate project that provides both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of MinGW. 
  - [[http://tdm-gcc.tdragon.net|TDM-GCC]] - this is a variation of the original MinGW project and is traditionally packaged with older Codelite and Code::Blocks IDEs

Orx no longer supports the TDM versions or vanilla versions of MinGW. 

**MinGW-w64 is the correct one to use for Orx.**

At the time of writing, 8.1.0 is the version to use. But to check on the current version requirements, visit the [[https://github.com/orx/orx#supported-platforms|Orx supported platforms here]].


===== Getting MinGW =====

Start by downloading the MinGW-w64 installer at: https://mingw-w64.org/doku.php/download/mingw-builds

Run the installer and go through the steps. These are outlined on this page: http://orx-project.org/wiki/tutorials/compiling_orx_with_mingw32_gmake

Follow the steps titled **Getting MinGW-w64** and **Updating the PATH environment variable**.


===== Telling Code::Blocks about the new Compiler =====

  - In Code::Blocks , go to Settings / Compiler.
  - Locate the "Selected compiler" dropdown.
  - The MinGW compiler you installed will become listed. If not, restart Code::Blocks.
  - Select the compiler from the dropdown.
  - Ok to close the dialog.
  - Open your project, or Orx project. You can build your Workspace. 

You're all good to go.