GnuWin for Windows

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GnuWin is a software project that provides executable computer programs, patches, and source code as native ports. It’s applicable for various GNU and open source tools and software, modified to run on 32-bit Windows platforms.

Versatile GNU software

GnuWin is a port of GNU tools to Windows. It uses msvcrt.dll in a similar way as MSYS, as well as an additional library to provide UNIX compatibility functions. Its primary purpose is to allow Windows programs and batch files to directly use GNU libraries and applications to emulate Linux.

Run Linux software

Linux is an operating system just like Windows, Mac, and iOS. Linux even powers Android. However, it uses different coding languages to Windows, which is where a program like GnuWin, Mingw, or Cygwin comes in.

GnuWin itself uses a command line prompt, which also includes understanding path separators, filename globbing, and quoted arguments. This allows it to run Linux-related software on a relevant Windows system.

Comprehensive documentation

GnuWin also comes with extensive notes. These include information on applicable features, such as binaries, native language support, substantial file support and a temporary file directory.

Library support

With regards to the different libraries handled by the GnuWin source code for Windows, the libraries are a static GCC library and a GCC import library. Both use the DLL (dynamic link library) that’s contained in the software’s binary sub-package.

Open-source

As an open-source piece of software, GnuWin can easily be altered by anybody who knows what they’re doing. The source code is also free to download and suited for use with any Windows 32-bit system, including 2000 / XP / Vista / 7.

Extensive customisation

GnuWin is particularly useful for anyone who needs to run similar programs across different operating systems. However, most people and companies don’t mix, and match systems, so widespread use is questionable. Still, if you understand the source code GnuWin is a powerful program.