Setting Up VS Code for C++ Programming

Before we can start writing C++ programs, we need a place to write code and a tool to run it.
Think of it like cooking: you need a kitchen (editor) and ingredients plus utensils (compiler) to cook a meal (your program).

In this guide, we will use Visual Studio Code (VS Code) as our editor. It’s free, easy to use, and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Step 1: Install VS Code

1. Go to the VS Code website
2. Download the installer for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the instructions.
4. Open VS Code after installation.

VS Code is like your workspace. You write code here, but it cannot run C++ programs by itself—we need a compiler too.

Step 2: Install a C++ Compiler

A compiler is like the chef who can read your recipe (code) and turn it into a meal (program).

For Windows:

1. Install MinGW:
   • Go to MinGW-w64 website
   • Download the installer.
   • During installation, choose the latest version, x86_64 architecture, and set the installation path (e.g., C:\mingw-w64).
2. Add MinGW to your system PATH:
   • Search for “Environment Variables” → Edit system environment variables → Environment Variables → Path → Add new → paste C:\mingw-w64\bin

For Mac:

1. Open Terminal and install Xcode Command Line Tools:

xcode-select --install

For Linux:

1. Open Terminal and install g++:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install g++

Once installed, the compiler can turn your C++ code into programs your computer can run.

Step 3: Check Compiler Installation

Open a terminal and type:

g++ --version

If you see a version number, congratulations! Your compiler is ready.

Step 4: Install VS Code Extensions

Extensions make coding easier. For C++, we need:

1. C/C++ by Microsoft – adds IntelliSense, debugging, and more.

   • Open VS Code → Extensions (left sidebar) → Search for C/C++ → Install

2. Code Runner (optional) – lets you run code with one click.

   • Search for Code Runner → Install

Think of extensions as extra kitchen tools that make cooking faster and easier.

Step 5: Running C++ Code in VS Code

Option 1: Using Terminal (Recommended)

1. Open VS Code → create a new file → save it as program.cpp.
2. Write your code:

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

1. Open the terminal in VS Code (Ctrl + ~ or View → Terminal).
2. Compile your program:

g++ program.cpp -o program

This tells the compiler: “Take program.cpp and make an executable called program.”

1. Run your program:

• Windows:

program.exe

• Mac/Linux:

./program

You should see:

Hello from VS Code!

Option 2: Using Code Runner Extension (Simpler)

1. Open program.cpp
2. Click the Run Code button on top right (green triangle)
3. The output appears in the Output tab

Quick and easy, but learning the terminal method is more powerful for real projects.

Step 6: Tips for Beginners

• Always save your file with .cpp extension.
• Name your files meaningful names, e.g., hello.cpp, calculator.cpp.
• Use the terminal to compile and run programs—this builds a strong foundation.
• Experiment with small programs to get comfortable.

Exercise

1. Write a program that prints your name and age.
2. Try running it in the terminal using the steps above.
3. Experiment with changing the text and see what happens.

Once you can write and run programs, you are ready to move to variables, data types, and more C++ concepts!

This is easy, step-by-step, beginner-friendly, with terminal commands, analogies, and exercises.

If you want, I can now write the next blog on “Variables and Data Types in C++” in the same style for MDX.

Do you want me to do that next?