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cl — The Microsoft C/C++ compiler for compiling and linking source code files. More information: <https:/

Submitted by: @import:tldr-pages·Mar 2, 2026·

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thecommandmicrosoftclicompilingclcompilerfor

windows

Problem

How to use the cl command: The Microsoft C/C++ compiler for compiling and linking source code files. More information: <https://learn.microsoft.com/cpp/build/reference/compiler-command-line-syntax>.

Solution

cl — The Microsoft C/C++ compiler for compiling and linking source code files. More information: <https://learn.microsoft.com/cpp/build/reference/compiler-command-line-syntax>.

Compile a source file:

cl {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile and create an executable with a custom name:

cl /Fe {{path\to\output_executable}} {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile a source file with optimization enabled:

cl /O2 {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile a source file and create a debug executable:

cl /Zi {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile multiple source files:

cl {{path\to\source1.c path\to\source2.c ...}}

Specify the output directory for compiled files:

cl /Fo {{path\to\output_directory}}/ {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile with warnings as errors:

cl /WX {{path\to\source.c}}

Code Snippets

Compile a source file

cl {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile and create an executable with a custom name

cl /Fe {{path\to\output_executable}} {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile a source file with optimization enabled

cl /O2 {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile a source file and create a debug executable

cl /Zi {{path\to\source.c}}

Compile multiple source files

cl {{path\to\source1.c path\to\source2.c ...}}

Context

tldr-pages: windows/cl

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