# Get started

This chapter shows how to build and execute a simple C program using the LLVM compiler. The program is built using the Hexagon software development tools and executed on the Hexagon simulator.

The Hexagon software development tools are assumed to be already installed on your computer. The installation includes the tools required for assembling and linking a compiled program.

Note

The commands shown in this chapter are for illustration only. For detailed information on building programs, see [Use the compilers](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-N3040-23/topic/use-the-compilers.html).

## Create source file

Create the following C source file:

#include <stdio.h>
    
    int main()
    {
         printf(“Hello world\n”);
         return(0);
    }
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Save the file as `hello.c`.

## Compile program

Compile the program with the following command:

hexagon-clang hello.c -o hello
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This command translates the C source file `hello.c` into the executable file `hello`.

## Execute program

To execute the program, use the following command:

hexagon-sim hello
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The program outputs its message to the terminal:

Hello world
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Following the program output is the simulator-generated message `Done!` and some execution statistics:

Done!
       T0: Insns=5648 Tcycles=7931
       T1: Insns=0 Tcycles=0
       T2: Insns=0 Tcycles=0
       Total: Insns=5648 Pcycles=47587
       Simulator speed=0.314599 Mips
    Ratio to Real Time (600 MHz) = ~1/226 (elapsed time = 0.017953s)
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The statistics show the number of instructions and cycles executed on each Hexagon processor thread.

You have now compiled and executed a C program using the LLVM compiler. For more information on using the compiler, see [Use the compilers](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-N3040-23/topic/use-the-compilers.html).

Last Published: Oct 06, 2026

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