i have always used visual studio for c++

so i don't even know what gcc is. something like a compiler or "compiler kernel" like linux is. how can i use it, where to dl.

Download and install the following GNU/Linux operating system distribution. GCC comes preinstalled.

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=106

Also, read the the first part of following book to get up and running:

http://c.learncodethehardway.org/

An IDE, or "Integrated Development Environment" will turn you stupid. They are the worst tools if you want to be a good programmer because they hide what's going on from you, and your job is to know what's going on. They are useful if you're trying to get something done and the platform is designed around a particular IDE, but for learning to code C (and many other languages) they are pointless.

>>3
Get outta here, Zed Shaw.

>>4
Please don't conflate coding in C and operating an IDE for its intended purpose. A coder's job is to interpret a system specification and write code according to that spec. An effective coder will understand the tools she uses as part of her job. Understanding the relationship between software build systems, software project management systems and the coder's code is not a necessary part of that job.

>>6
she
lol

>>7
she
lol
Your point is?

>>7
This may surprise you, but >>6 is actually THE SUSSMAN.
I agree though, implying a programmer would ever be female is quite hilarious. THE SUSSMAN is a quality troll.

>>8
FIOC and ``starting'' some shitty site nobody who's anybody has ever really heard of or ever used doesn't count as programming, sorry LABIA THE CLEAVER.
Actually I'm not sorry at all.

>>6
An effective coder doesn't do coding for a living because ENTERPRISE programming is fucking shit.