Cannot compile C programs on CodeBlocks: Undefined reference to 'WinMain@16'

Question

I'm new to C and I'm trying to compile a HelloWorld program. I'm using GNU GCC 4.9.2. I've looked online for many solutions but none of them worked: Every time I compile the program, it hits me with this error:

"Undefined reference to 'WinMain@16'"

Please bear in mind that I HAVE configured the project as a console project, not a windows project and that I have written the main function correctly.

Here's the code:

#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
    printf("Hello world!\n");
    return 0;
}

Finally, note that I can successfully compile, build, and run C++ programs with code blocks. For some reason, I can't do the same for C. Additionally, I tried compiling the source file from the command line and the issue still persisted.

Compilation lines:

Look at the actual compilation commands issued by code blocks. — n. m. could be an AI, Nov 01 '19 at 14:26
It has nothing to do with C per se. Codeblocks runs gcc as an external command. You need to identify the exact parameters of the command. Look at the compiler output window and try to find a line that has the word gcc in it. — n. m. could be an AI, Nov 01 '19 at 14:30
You have said you are using gcc 4.9.2 but the command references gcc 6.3.0. Perhaps your gcc installation is somehow broken. Can you do the same thing with a c++ program and compare the results? — n. m. could be an AI, Nov 01 '19 at 14:57
Just google the error message. Too many to choose from, even on this site, but say https://stackoverflow.com/questions/5259714/undefined-reference-to-winmain16 — Hans Passant, Nov 01 '19 at 15:01
Well, as stated in the post, I've already done that. The C++ program executes correctly and prints "Hello, World!", while the C program doesn't. (Undefined reference to winmain@16") — Saif Taher, Nov 01 '19 at 15:01

score -1 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 01 '19 at 17:31

I solved the problem and I don't know how. I changed the C debugger from gcc to gnu, it gave me a different error. I then changed it back to gcc and it started working randomly. I've been trying to solve this problem for literally 6 hours. Then I try some random nonsense and guess what? it works.

I hate software development.

I love software development.

Cannot compile C programs on CodeBlocks: Undefined reference to 'WinMain@16'

1 Answers1