ConEmu

ConEmu is a console emulator for windows. When combined with the MinGW and MSYS tools downloaded as part of the C++ compiler installation process outlined here, ConEmu provides a command line experience equipped with several Unix tools and the g++ program. This page will show you how to download, install, and configure ConEmu.

Getting and configuring

  1. If you haven't already, follow these instructions for installing a C++ compiler for Windows (MinGW/MSYS).
  2. Visit the ConEmu webpage and select "Download"; on the page that loads, choose the option "Download ConEmu Stable, Installer (32-bit, 64-bit)".
  3. Run the executable that downloads and choose the x64 option unless you know for certain that you are running 32-bit Windows (you probably are not).
  4. Follow the installation wizard. For easy access, select to include a Desktop shortcut (this is selected by default).
  5. Run ConEmu by selecting it from your installed applications or double clicking the shortcut on your Desktop (if you selected that option during installation).
  6. On its first startup, ConEmu will present you with a quick settings dialog. You need to click an appropriate shell for ConEmu to run. Do this by clicking the arrow to the right of the box that says "{Shells::cmd}":

    Then select "{{Bash::MinGW bash}}" (if this is not available, select any other item that specifies bash):

    Note: If you do not see any bash shells, ensure that you have MinGW/MSYS installed and that you've configured your Path variable correctly; if you still have trouble, come see me during office hours.
  7. Click "OK" at the bottom and you should see a ConEmu console that looks something like this: