Setting Up VS Code for C++ | Basics of C++ - Software Development PDF Download

Introduction

C++ is a powerful programming language used for developing applications, games, and system software. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a lightweight, yet powerful editor that supports C++ development through extensions. This guide will help you set up and write your first C++ program using VS Code.

Step 1: Install VS Code

1. Download VS Code

• Visit the official Visual Studio Code website
• Download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Install it following the on-screen instructions

2. Launch VS Code

• Open Visual Studio Code after installation.

Step 2: Install C++ Compiler

To run C++ programs, you need a compiler. The most commonly used compiler is MinGW for Windows and GCC (G++) for macOS/Linux.

Windows Users:

1. Download MinGW-w64 from Mingw-w64 SourceForge
2. Install MinGW and select g++ as the C++ compiler.
3. Add MinGW to the system PATH:
   • Open System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables
   • Under "System Variables", find Path, click Edit, and add C:\MinGW\bin (or wherever MinGW is installed).
4. Verify installation by opening Command Prompt and running:
   g++ --version

macOS/Linux Users:

For macOS and Linux, you can install the GCC compiler using:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install g++  # Ubuntu/Debian
brew install gcc  # macOS

Verify installation:
g++ --version

Step 3: Install C++ Extension in VS Code

• Open VS Code.
• Go to the Extensions Marketplace (Ctrl + Shift + X or Cmd + Shift + X on macOS).
• Search for C/C++ and install the extension by Microsoft.
• Restart VS Code after installation.

Step 4: Create a C++ Project

• Open VS Code and create a new folder (e.g., CPP_Projects).
• Inside VS Code, open the folder (File > Open Folder > Select CPP_Projects).
• Create a new file named main.cpp inside the folder.

Step 5: Write a Simple C++ Program

Copy and paste the following C++ code into main.cpp:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
    cout << "Hello, C++ on VS Code!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Step 6: Configure and Run C++ in VS Code

1. Open Terminal
Go to Terminal > New Terminal

2. Compile the Program
In the terminal, navigate to the folder containing main.cpp and run:
g++ main.cpp -o main

3. Run the Executable

• On Windows:
• main.exe
• On macOS/Linux:
• ./main

Expected Output:

Hello, C++ on VS Code!

Step 7: Debugging in VS Code

To debug C++ programs in VS Code:

1. Install C/C++ Extension Pack (if not already installed).
2. Set up Launch Configuration:
   • Go to Run > Add Configuration
   • Select C++ (GDB/LLDB) for Linux/macOS or C++ (Windows) for Windows.
   • This creates a .vscode/launch.json file.
3. Set a Breakpoint:
   • Click on the left margin of the line where you want to pause execution.
4. Start Debugging:
   • Press F5 to run the debugger.
5. Use the debug toolbar to step through the program.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up C++ on VS Code. You can now write, compile, and debug C++ programs efficiently. Try experimenting with more C++ features and build exciting projects!