How to Install GCC Instead of Using Clang on macOS

Introduction

• By default, macOS uses Clang for compiling.
• This guide demonstrates how to install and use GCC instead of Clang.

Steps to Install GCC

1. Install Homebrew

• Homebrew is a package manager for macOS.
• Visit brew.sh website.
• Copy and paste the installation command into the terminal.
• Run the command successfully.
• Add to your .zprofile or .zshrc file.

2. Verify Homebrew Installation

• Run brew command.
• Successful output indicates Homebrew is installed.

3. Install GCC via Homebrew

• Go to the brew.sh website.
• Search for GCC.
• Copy the provided command to install GCC.
• Run this command in the terminal.
• After installation, quit and reopen the terminal.

Verify Installation

• Run gcc --version.
• Initially, it might still show Clang.
• Run gcc-11 --version to see the newly installed GCC version.

Set GCC as Default

• Use commands to set GCC as the default compiler.
• Run where gcc or where g++:
  • First result should be Homebrew's GCC.
  • Second result should be system's Clang.
• Run gcc or g++ to ensure it prioritizes the Homebrew installation.

Final Steps

• Quit and reopen the terminal again.
• Run gcc --version and g++ --version to confirm they point to the Homebrew installation.

Conclusion

• Following these steps will switch your default compiler from Clang to GCC using Homebrew.
• Ensure terminal is restarted for changes to take effect.

Thank you for watching!