If you’ve tried compiling MySQL/MariaDB/XtraDB from source code on Windows, you may have run into the following error:

C:\GnuWin32\bin\bison.exe: m4: Invalid argument

Now, it is a known bug to receive this error if you install it to a location with spaces in the path. So don’t do that!

But, there are cases when you have not installed it to a path with spaces, and you still receive this error.

I’ve encountered it a number of times, and I’m not the only one (btw, thanks Venu for your existing work-around up to this point!).

…

Problem:

Compile MySQL/MariaDB/XtraDB on Windows and receive the following error …

Not counting obtaining the source code, and once you have the prerequisites satisfied, [Windows] users can build from source code in 5 easy steps.

Prerequisites – Install & ensure they are in the $PATH:

1. CMake <-- Download
2. C++ compiler <-- Visual Studio 2008 Express - Free Download
3. Bison <-- Download (ensure m4.exe is also included, which it should be)

Optional (but most likely you’ll want):

1. Perl <-- For Test Suite/Scripts. Strawberry Perl is a great option.
2. Bazaar <-- If want latest …