This tip shows techniques to compile or to run make for the file in the current buffer. This is useful to list any compile errors in the quickfix window.

Compile with gccEdit

If you use

set makeprg=gcc\ -o\ %<\ %

in your vimrc, and your actual file is file.c, then :make will compile file.c with the output file. (gcc file.c -o file).

If you use GNU make the above change is not required. Instead, simply use the following command to compile the current file (you need to save it first):

:make %:r

When using other compilers, like Sun cc, you can adapt the tip to suit your compiler.

Invoking makeEdit

The following allows you to press F7 (in normal mode) to invoke make to compile the file in the current buffer. If modified, the file is first saved.

" Save and make current file.o
function! Make()
  let curr_dir = expand('%:h')
  if curr_dir == ''
    let curr_dir = '.'
  endif
  echo curr_dir
  execute 'lcd ' . curr_dir
  execute 'make %:r.o'
  execute 'lcd -'
endfunction
nnoremap <F7> :update<CR>:call Make()<CR>

CommentsEdit

 TO DO 

• I've done a pretty quick clean up. Would someone please reply here with news about whether it actually works (after testing).
• Need some explanation, including note about (deprecated) %<. JohnBeckett 04:49, 14 July 2009 (UTC)