How to Install Clang on Ubuntu Linux?

Clang is a widely used open-source compiler front end for the C, C++, and Objective-C programming languages. It is known for its efficiency, modular architecture, and a strong focus on providing useful diagnostics for developers. Installing Clang on Ubuntu Linux involves using the package manager to ensure a straightforward, hassle-free process. Users can easily download and install the Clang compiler with its associated tools and libraries by utilizing the apt package manager. This allows developers on Ubuntu to take advantage of Clang's performance and features, fostering a smooth development environment for C, C++, and Objective-C programming.

Here, we’ll walk you through how to install Clang on Ubuntu using two different methods and provide tips for verifying and uninstalling it.

Why Install Clang on Ubuntu Linux?

Clang offers numerous advantages to developers on Linux systems:

1. Efficiency and Performance: Clang is designed for high performance, providing fast compilation times and generating optimized code.
2. Modular Architecture: Its modular and extensible architecture allows easy integration with various tools and frameworks. Developers can leverage specific components of Clang for their needs.
3. Advanced Diagnostics: Clang is renowned for its robust diagnostic capabilities. It provides detailed and informative error messages, aiding developers in identifying and fixing issues in their code.
4. Standard Compliance: Clang is committed to supporting and implementing the latest language standards, ensuring compatibility with the C, C++, and Objective-C standards.
5. Cross-Platform Support: Clang is platform-independent and can be used on various operating systems, making it versatile for multi-platform development.

Prerequisites

Before installing Clang on Ubuntu Linux, ensure the following requirements are met:

1. Ubuntu System: You need a working Ubuntu distribution (18.04, 20.04, 22.04, or newer) installed on your system.
2. Terminal Access: We should have access to a terminal(CTRL + ALT + T) or command-line interface on your Linux system. Most Linux distributions provide this by default.
3. Administrator Privileges: To install software via the package manager, you’ll need sudo (administrator) privileges.

How to Install Clang on Ubuntu Linux?

In this section, we will see two different methods to Install the Clang Tool on the Ubuntu Linux Operating System. These are:

So, let's explore each of these methods with detailed steps.

Method 1: Installing Clang Using the APT Package Manager

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Firstly, we need to open a terminal on our Ubuntu system. We can usually find the terminal application in our system’s applications or by searching for “Terminal” or we can also use the shortcut “CTRL + ALT + T” to launch the terminal.

Step 2: Update the System

Once the terminal is been opened, we need to update our system with the latest package information. This can be done by using the apt manager on the system. So we need to execute the below update command to update all the repositories to their latest version.

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Clang

Now, by using the APT manager, install the Clang Tool on Ubuntu Linux. Execute the below command to install the application.

sudo apt install clang

Step 4: Verify the Installation

Once the installation is done, we can verify it by checking the version of the Clang Tool. To verify, execute the below command.

clang -v

This command will display the installed version of Clang.

Method 2: Installing Clang Using the LLVM Repository Script

Step 1: Download the LLVM Script

Use wget command is used to download the LLVM repository script (llvm.sh) from the specified URL (https://apt.llvm.org/llvm.sh). This script will enable the installation of LLVM and Clang on the Ubuntu system.

wget https://apt.llvm.org/llvm.sh

Step 2: Make the Script Executable

Execute the below command to make the LLVM repository script (llvm.sh) executable by granting execute permissions. This step is necessary before running the script to install LLVM and Clang on the Ubuntu system.

chmod +x llvm.sh

Step 3: Run the Script

Now, if we want any specific version, then we can use the given command to add the repository by executing the below command. The below command will consider Clang-16 as the version of usage.

sudo ./llvm.sh 16

How to Uninstall Clang on Ubuntu Linux?

In this section, we will see the detailed steps to uninstall JUnit 5 on Ubuntu.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Launch the terminal (CTRL + ALT + T).

Step 2: Remove Clang

Open the terminal on your Ubuntu System and execute the below remove command to uninstall the Clang tool on our system.

sudo apt remove clang

Step 3: Verify Uninstallation

Once the uninstallation process is completed, we can verify it by checking its version.

clang -v

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Clang on Ubuntu Linux is a process that involves using the package manager to fetch and install the necessary packages. By following the above mentioned steps, users can successfully set up Clang on their Ubuntu system. It is important to note that keeping the system and packages updated is essential to ensure the latest features and security patches. Additionally, users may find Clang to be a valuable tool for compiling and debugging C and C++ programs on their Linux environment. Overall, the installation process contributes to a more efficient development environment for users working with Clang on Ubuntu.