*******************************************
Step 2: Install a Compiler and Assembler
*******************************************

.. include:: /includes/prolog.inc

.. include:: ../asm-urls.rst

.. contents:: Table of Contents

**Objective**: Install |MinGW| and |NASM| to compile an ``.asm`` file
and then create an ``.exe`` executable.

2.1: Install a GCC compiler
========================================

We will use |MinGW| to compile our assembly projects

#. Find the installer on |MinGW|'s site or download it from this site directly.

     :download:`mingw-get-setup-2017-09-06.exe
     <../downloads/mingw-get-setup-2017-09-06.exe>`

#. Note the default the installation directory and then press `Continue`.

   .. caution::

       * MinGW might not work correctly if you install it in another directory
         other than the default.
       * So, we recommend using the default installation directory.

   |image1|

#. The installer will download and install MinGW.
#. Verify that the installer downloaded and installed all selected items.

   |image2|

#. Select ``mingw32-base-bin`` and apply changes.

   - From the menu: ``Installation ➜ Apply Changes``
   - The installer might take a while depending on your internet connection.

   |image3|

   |image4|

#. Press the `Close` button when the packages finish downloading.

   |image5|

#. Verify that ``ming32-base-bin`` installed.

   |image6|

#. You can now close the installer window.

2.2: Download Netwide Assembler (NASM)
========================================

We will use the |Netwide Assembler (NASM)| for this class. You can read
more information about NSAM from |https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netwide_Assembler|.

#. Find the installer on |NASM|'s site or download the Windows 10 x64
   version from this site directly.

     :download:`nasm-2.14.03rc2-installer-x64.exe
     <../downloads/nasm-2.14.03rc2-installer-x64.exe>`

#. Execute the installer as an administrator

   .. note::

       You will need to execute the installer as *Administrator*
       if your logged in user cannot write to ``C:\MinGW\bin``.

   |image7|

#. Install to ``C:\MinGW\bin``

   .. note::

       It is easiest to set up if you install it to the same directory
       as the GCC compiler. Otherwise, you have to add the systems paths
       for both applications.

   |image8|

Part 3: Set the path to the assembler
========================================

Windows needs to know where to find gcc.exe and nasm.exe, which it will
do by setting the ``path=C:\MinGW\bin;%path%``

First, we'll verify that Windows recognizes ``gcc`` and ``nasm`` using the
command line. Then, we'll set the path as part of the system path.

Verify the programs execute in CMD
-----------------------------------

   .. note::

       This path is set **ONLY for this CMD instance**. You have to run
       the command again when you close the CMD window. Or, you can
       specify the absolute path to the file.

       You can add it permanently the System Environment Variables.

#. Open up Command Prompt (CMD)
#. Set the temporary path by executing: ``path=C:\MinGW\bin;%path%``
#. Verify the path set correctly
#. Type: ``echo %path%``
   |image9|
#. Type: ``gcc --version``
   Verify that it displays the file version.
   |image10|
#. Type: ``nasm --version``
   Verify that it displays the file version.
   |image11|


Errors
------------
If you get a ``not recognized`` error, then the path is not set correctly
or you installed MinGW or NASM in a different directory.

|image12|

#. Try executing it using the full path: ``C:\MinGW\bin\gcc --version``
#. Verify the installation path: ``dir C:\MinGW\bin``

.. _Set Path to ASM:

Set path in Windows System
---------------------------

.. tip::
    * Set the path to your assembler and compiler in the Windows path so
      that all applications can find it.
    * Otherwise, you have to specify the full path to the applications.

#. Open the ``Advanced System Properties`` in Windows. There are several
   ways:

   a. Copy and paste one of these commands to `Windows Explorer` or
      `Start Menu`

      * ``Advanced System Settings``
        |br| -OR-
      * ``C:\Windows\System32\SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe``

   #. Navigate from the control panel:
      ``Control Panel > System and Security > System``

      |image21|

#. Click on the **Environment Variables** button

      |image22|

#. Select ``Path`` under **User variables** and then click on the
   **Edit** button

      |image23|

#. Click on **New** and then add a variable for the **bin** folder of
   NASM and GCC: ``C:\MinGW\bin``

   .. note:: You must add both paths if you installed NASM in a different
             folder.

   |image24|

#. Press OK on all windows
#. **Close and reopen** the CMD windows to get a new prompt.
#. Verify that the NASM and GCC display the versions correctly
   before continuing.

   |image25|



.. |image1| image:: images/image1.png
.. |image2| image:: images/image2.png
.. |image3| image:: images/image3.png
.. |image4| image:: images/image4.png
.. |image5| image:: images/image5.png
.. |image6| image:: images/image6.png
.. |image7| image:: images/image7.png
.. |image8| image:: images/image8.png
.. |image9| image:: images/image9.png
.. |image10| image:: images/image10.png
.. |image11| image:: images/image11.png
.. |image12| image:: images/image12.png
.. |image21| image:: images/image21.png
.. |image22| image:: images/image22.png
.. |image23| image:: images/image23.png
.. |image24| image:: images/image24.png
.. |image25| image:: images/image25.png