Error when using vl_compilenn: cannot found cl.exe in path

I got errors when running vl_compilenn as follows:

>> vl_compilenn

Warning: CL.EXE not found in PATH. Trying to guess out of mex setup.

> In vl_compilenn>check_clpath (line 566) In vl_compilenn (line 400) 'cl.exe' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. Error using vl_compilenn>check_clpath (line 577) Unable to find cl.exe

Error in vl_compilenn (line 400) check_clpath(); % check whether cl.exe in path

I use MATLAB2015b on Windows 10, Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Professional (C) for C language compilation, and Visual Studio 2013.

Also, I tried to set the Path and Environment Variables for Command-Line Builds as following command: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\VC>vcvarsall x86_amd64 on the VS2012 x64 Cross Tools Command Prompt.

But, it cannot fix my problem. Could you please give me solution for this error.

Thank you for your help.

[Tandang Yuliadi Dwi Putra]

Hi Woranut Iampa I have the same problem with you. Have you succeed to run the vl_compilenn? I use Matlab2016b on Windows 8 and Visual Studio 2015 Community edition

[Sascha D. Krauß]

Same problem here. No solution yet?

[Fredrik Zachrisson]

same here

Answer 1

[Major_He]

I have just solved this problem by reading this webpage: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/40226354/matconvnet-error-cl-exe-not-found

I use Matlab R2016b on windows 10, Visual Studio 2017 Community. Visual Studio 2017 works well in my computer when compiling C/C++ programs, and I just add a new path (the folder containing cl.exe in Visual Studio installed path) to computer's Environment Variables. Then, this problem solved.

[Jon Slow]

Are you using SDK 7.1?

[Walter Roberson]

Jon Slow: No, Major_He was using Visual Studio 2017 Community.

Note: to use VS 2017 with MATLAB R2016b or R2017a you need to install a patch.

[Andrew Mao]

Thank you so much! This has been terribly frustrating. If anyone happens to get a different error after this, go here and follow the most liked response: https://github.com/vlfeat/matconvnet/issues/501

Answer 2

[Shaode Yu]

% (1) Unable to find cl.exe

% (a) Adding the directory with cl.exe to the system PATH variable

% (b) Restart MATLAB

% (c) Compile (1) mex -setup C++ (2) vl_compilenn

% Reason: The check_clpath() needs to know the proper location cl.exe

% https://stackoverflow.com/questions/40226354/matconvnet-error-cl-exe-not-found

[Walter Roberson]

That code is expecting a Visual Studios compiler, and would not work with MinGW or lcc.

[Shaode Yu]

Right.

It requires Visual Studio compiler. In particular, MatConvNet requires Visual Studio 2015 and later. It is a prerequisite.

In addition, install the software Everything (https://www.voidtools.com/downloads/) and you can find all files on your computer.

Enjoy.

Answer 3

[Walter Roberson]

Typically this error occurs when you have a Community edition or Express edition of Visual Studio installed but your MATLAB version only expects the corresponding Professional version.

[Jon Slow]

So what do I do? get a professional trial?

Answer 4

[Ayshath Afra]

Error in vl_compilenn (line 417)

cl_path = fileparts(check_clpath()); % check whether cl.exe in path

anyone pls help to solve this error in matlab

this error is showing while compiling matconvnet.

[Walter Roberson]

Which version of MATLAB are you using, and exactly which compiler do you have installed?

[Ayshath Afra]

i am using R2018a and the compiler is MinGW64 Compiler

[Walter Roberson]

As described in the previous solutions, vl_compilenn is hard-coded to require Visual Studios.

R2018a supports Visual Studios 2017 Community Edition (I do not recall if you need a patch for that or not.)

[Ayshath Afra]

i couldn't replace my error.

[Walter Roberson]

Which compiler did you install? And did you do

mex -setup C++

to configure the compiler after you installed it?

[Ayshath Afra]

Compiler is MinGW64

& the warning is : The MATLAB C and Fortran API has changed to support MATLAB

variables with more than 2^32-1 elements. You will be required to update your code to utilize the new API.

[Walter Roberson]

It will never be possible to compile that program with MinGW. You should give up trying.

Either install Visual Studios 2017 Community Edition, or else give up on using the software.