---
~~Title: Setting Up a C Development Environment~~
---

# Setting Up a C Development Environment #

[Installing the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries](https://www.enlightenment.org/docs/distros/start)
for C development is a simple task on common platforms.

The following documentation adds to that by describing how to install and
run the right tools and prepare for building apps using EFL.

## Compiling EFL Applications ###

With EFL installed, you can start compiling the applications you write
using Enlightenment technologies:

```bash
gcc -o your_app your_app.c `pkg-config --cflags --libs eina efl elementary`
```

Where ``your_app`` is the name of the app you want to build and
``your_app.c`` contains the source code of your application.

If the compilation is successful, this will create an executable
application called *your_app* in the directory. You can run this app
like any other program.

## Troubleshooting ##

If you get errors when you compile the examples in this guide, you may
be using an out of date version of EFL. Update your libraries
installing from [EFL's git repository](#Installing_from_Git).

If you are having problems compiling and installing EFL, you can come
and seek advice on [any of our IRC
channels](https://www.enlightenment.org/contact) or [post a ticket to
Gitea](https://git.enlightenment.org/issues).