Compiling sqlite-vec

August 21, 2024

• https://www.mingw-w64.org/
• https://clang.llvm.org/get_started.html
• https://releases.llvm.org/download.html
• https://github.com/asg017/sqlite-vec/issues/13
• https://github.com/asg017/sqlite-vec/releases?page=1
• https://sbert.net/docs/installation.html

Troubleshooting

If using Visual Studio, launch the "x64 Native Tools Command Prompt for VS" or equivalent, and try running the command again.

clang --version
cl --version

Install clang (via Visual Studio):

• Open Visual Studio Installer:
• Modify Your Installation:
• Under the Workloads tab, ensure the "Desktop development with C++" workload is selected.
• Scroll down and select "LLVM/Clang tools for Windows."
• Click Modify to install the Clang tools.

Install clang (via llvm downloads):

• ...

Compiling

git clone [https://github.com/asg017/sqlite-vec](https://github.com/asg017/sqlite-vec)
cd sqlite-vec
make loadable

cl -W -I.\sqlite-autoconf sqlite-vec.c sqlite-vec.h -O2
 
cl -W -I.\sqlite-autoconf sqlite-vec.c sqlite-vec.h -O2 -fPIC -shared -o vec0.dll
 
# works
clang-cl.exe /D_USRDLL /D_WINDLL sqlite-vec.c /MT /link /DLL /OUT:sqlite-vec.dll
 
# doesn't work
cl.exe /D_USRDLL /D_WINDLL sqlite-vec.c /MT /link /DLL /OUT:sqlite-vec.dll

Terminology

Clang:

• Clang is a compiler front end for the C, C++, and Objective-C programming languages.
  • It uses the LLVM (Low-Level Virtual Machine) as its back end.
  • Known for fast compilation times, clear and concise error messages, and compatibility with GCC (GNU Compiler Collection).
  • Used in various development environments, including Apple's Xcode.
  • Increasingly popular as a replacement for GCC due to its modular design and better diagnostic tools.

CL (C/C++ Compiler):

• CL is the command-line compiler for C and C++ provided by Microsoft Visual Studio.
  • Compiles C and C++ source code into machine code (binary) that can be executed by the computer.
  • Part of the Microsoft Build Tools.
  • Often invoked by developers working on Windows platforms to compile their code from the command line.

MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows):

• MinGW is a minimalist development environment for native Microsoft Windows applications.
  • Provides a port of the GCC (GNU Compiler Collection).
  • Allows developers to compile and build Windows applications using open-source tools.
  • Includes a set of runtime libraries, header files, and a compiler compatible with Windows.
  • Enables the creation of native Windows executables without relying on proprietary tools.

DLLs (Dynamic-Link Libraries):

• DLLs are files that contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs simultaneously in the Windows operating system.
  • Allow for modularization of code, making it easier to update and reuse code without recompiling programs.
  • Essential in Windows for creating shared libraries.
  • Different programs can call functions contained in a single DLL, reducing redundancy and saving memory.