title: Writing & compiling a C program under Windows XP?
body: <p>This is an absolute beginner's question, but per the latest podcast, I understand that no question is too newbie.</p>
  
  <p>I have 0 programming experience and I want to learn C, so I'm starting the K&amp;R book.  I am using a Windows XP laptop, and I am planning on using Notepad++ to write, and <strong>Code::Blocks</strong> to compile.</p>
  
  <p>Here's my question: once I have written the "hello world" program in Notepad++, how should I save it, compile it, and run it?</p>
  
  <p>Edit &amp; new question: When I build &amp; run from Code::Blocks, I get the prompt window with the "hello world" message.  It stays open until I close it manually.  However, when I double click the .exe file, the prompt just flashes and disappears, why is that?</p>
  
  <p>Many thanks,</p>
  
  <p>JD</p>
  
  <p>Edit:  I'm going to use Code::Blocks as an IDE, per the recommendations here.</p>