I've just installed CodeBlocks and like the IDE. And I do understand this is an IDE and separate and apart from the compiler, linker, etc. But the point of me going to an IDE is to simplify the build process and not have to deal with creating make files and such. I have tested a few simple programs and everything seems to work fine.
But now, I need to use a library that's not included. This question, I guess, should be a general question about adding any library, but I'll mention that it's the (or a)
libusb library. And I know this is related to the compiler and linker but all googling I do, brings me back to makefiles and compiling from the command line. I'm trying to avoid all that
. And I can't figure out how to install or place the library file, in my system, that was setup by the install of CodeBlocks. (so it's related to this IDE).
So please bear with me, on this questions.
First, my system. It's an x86 based system, 64 bits, running Windows 7.
I will compile using the GNU GCC compiler that came with my download.
I downloaded this package: codeblocks-16.01mingw-setup.exe
1) There are two usb library packages
a) libusb-1.0.9
b) libusb-compat-0.1.4 (this looks like older version but does have references to Windows)
Which should I be using for a Window7 setup? Or can either be used?
2) Are there any detailed instructions on how to install a library (i.e. libusb) to my GCC system, or in particular, my CodeBlocks IDE, using gcc?
3) If compiling is still required, can I import and compile one of the LibUSB library source projects using this IDE and the GCC compiler?
4) And if compiling is still required, and the CB IDE can be used, where does the lib go, after it's compiled?
5) And I don't know if this is "simple" or just "stupid" but *.lib files tend to be used with x86 systems and I think gcc makes *.a files for libraries. Should I be looking for *.lib file for the usb library or a *.a, for use on my gcc compiler on x86?
6) Bonus question. RE #6. was that "simple" or "stupid"?
Thanks,