I am having problem compiling the followed exploit code:
http://downloads.securityfocus.com/vulnerabilities/exploits/59846-1.c
I am using: \"gcc file.c\" and
The explanations given here are correct. I just wanted to add that this problem might be because you copied the code from somewhere, from a website or a pdf file due to which there are some invalid characters in the code.
Try to find those invalid characters, or just retype the code if you can't. It will definitely compile then.
Source: stray error reason