How_to_install_multiple_gcc_compiler_versions.md

How to install multiple GCC compiler versions on Ubuntu-based distros

Note: With slight modifications, this guide will likely work for most distros but you may need to consult your distro documentation or support forums to confirm.

Maintained by @morrownr

Step 1

Setup the build environment if not already done:

sudo apt install build-essential

Step 2

Install multiple C compiler versions (only install the ones you want to add to your system):

sudo apt -y install gcc-10 gcc-11 gcc-12

Step 3

Use the update-alternatives tool to create a list of multiple GCC compiler alternatives:

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/gcc gcc /usr/bin/gcc-10 10

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/gcc gcc /usr/bin/gcc-11 11

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/gcc gcc /usr/bin/gcc-12 12

Step 4

Check the available C compilers list on your Ubuntu system:

sudo update-alternatives --config gcc

  Selection    Path            Priority   Status
------------------------------------------------------------
  0            /usr/bin/gcc-11 11         auto mode
  1            /usr/bin/gcc-10 10         manual mode
* 2            /usr/bin/gcc-11 11         manual mode
  3            /usr/bin/gcc-12 12         manual mode

Press Enter to keep the current choice [*] or type selection number.

Step 5

Check your currently selected compiler version:

gcc --version

Happy compiling!