Fltk library not found in Dev-C++ despite installing

[rncpp]

I am trying to use Dev-C++ to create a simple Fltk application.

I have installed Fltk package downloaded from https://www.fltk.org/software.php (bz2 version 1.3.5) and installed in Dev-C++ using its own package manager. It installed without any error.

Now I try to compile following simple code (from https://www.fltk.org/doc-2.0/html/example1.html):

// hello.cxx (example1)

#include <fltk/Window.h>
#include <fltk/Widget.h>
#include <fltk/run.h>
using namespace fltk;

int main(int argc, char **argv) {
  Window *window = new Window(300, 180);
  window->begin();
  Widget *box = new Widget(20, 40, 260, 100, "Hello, World!");
  box->box(UP_BOX);
  box->labelfont(HELVETICA_BOLD_ITALIC);
  box->labelsize(36);
  box->labeltype(SHADOW_LABEL);
  window->end();
  window->show(argc, argv);
  return run();
}

The msg shown in error windows is:

3   25  C:\Users\RN\Documents\main.cpp  [Error] fltk/Window.h: No such file or directory
compilation terminated.
28      C:\Users\RN\Documents\Makefile.win  recipe for target 'main.o' failed

Where is the problem and how can this be solved?

[George P]

You probably need to add the FLTK directories to your search paths in the project's settings.

Simply installing FLTK some place on your HD doesn't tell a compiler where the files are located.

Get a newer, better free IDE, Dev-C++ is years out of date. Consider getting Visual Studio 2017 or 2019, they are free for the Community edition.

The example you linked to gives instructions for using FLTK with Visual C++/Visual Studio.

[rncpp]

Thanks for your reply.

Since Dev-C++ was installing package, I thought it would know where the files are.

Do I need to compile Fltk package before adding its directories to search paths?

[George P]

I'd say "that's a big 10-4, good buddy" on compiling before using in other projects. I can't say for sure because I haven't used FLTK in quite some time. Back when I was using Dev-C++ when it was last released over four years ago.

Just me, personally, I'd consider using a newer compiler/IDE. Code::Blocks or Visual Studio, they are both free to use.

Most times when people are using FLTK is they are reading Stroustrup's C++ programming book.

IIRC he used an older version of VS.

[rncpp]

I have installed Code::Blocks as suggested. Any good page on how to use it for library packages?

[George P]

Ask for help in the C::B forums/mailing lists, there are people a lot more knowledgeable than I will ever be.