Building this project requires a few prerequisite tools that stem from the GNU/Linux world, such as:

• gcc compiler
• make
• ghdl

So if you are predominantly a windows developer and want to contribute to the project, but feel a bit overwhelmed at the thought of jumping ship to Linux, then installing Cygwin in your Windows environment can be a good compromise.

This walkthrough will try guide you through how it's done.

• Download Cygwin from their web-site:
  • https://cygwin.com/install.html
• I picked the 32-bit installer for my 32-bit winxp VM (setup-x86.exe), but you may prefer to use a 64-bit install (setup-x86_64.exe)
  • NOTE: Please remember the path where you download this file on your pc, as you can re-run the setup exe multiple times to install additional packages later on.
  • 
• Run the setup exe, the wizard begins, click “Next”
  • 
• Stick with the default option of “(x) Install from Internet”
  • Then click “Next”
  • 
• Stick with the default install directory (“C:\cygwin”) and click “Next”
  • 
• Stick with the defaults on this page too:
  • 
• Use whatever style internet connection suits your situation.
  • For most home users, “(x) Direction Connection” should be sufficient
  • If you are installing from work and your workplace has a proxy, you might have to use the other options.
  • Then click “Next”
  • 
• pick out a suitable mirror to download from
  • I was lazy and chose the first one on the list ;)
  • You might prefer to use a mirror closer to your geographic location
  • Click “Next”
  • 
• In the “Search” bar at the top, type “make”
  • Expand the “Devel” group
  • In the search results, mouse-click the item called “make: The GNU version of the 'make' utility”
  • A little “[X]” box should appear, indicating that it will be installed
  • This is a good time to search for install any other nice gnu/linux tools you like (openssh, vim, etc… perhaps even git, git-gui and gitk, if you like)
  • If you realise you want more later, just re-run the setup exe again, go through the wizard and add more at this step
  • I will provide a more definitive list of required packages in a section below later
  • Click “Next”
  • 
• Stick with the default “(x) Select required packages (RECOMMENDED)”
  • then click “Next”
• Patiently wait for it all to install… :)
• On the final screen:
  • check the “(x) Create icon on Desktop” checkbox
  • check the “(x) Add icon to Start Menu” checkbox
  • click “Finish”
• 

You can now run cygwin from “Start Menu » Programs » Cygwin » Cygwin Terminal”: