Windows Installation

Lesson 2
Author : Afrixi
Last Updated : November, 2022
C++ - Programming Language
This course covers the basics of programming in C++.
Table of Content

Windows Installation

Before we begin, it’s important to understand that C++ is a programming language, and to write and run C++ programs, you need two main components: a C++ compiler and an Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

A compiler is a program that translates C++ code into machine code that can be executed by the computer. An IDE is a software application that provides a set of tools for developing and debugging software. IDEs typically include a code editor, a compiler, and a debugger, among other tools.

Here are the steps to install C++ on Windows for beginners:

Step 1: Install a C++ compiler

The first step is to install a C++ compiler. There are several options available, but for Windows, the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler is a popular choice. It can be installed as part of Visual Studio or as a standalone tool. You can download Visual Studio Community for free from Microsoft’s website.

If you prefer to use a standalone compiler, MinGW and Cygwin are also popular choices. MinGW is a Windows port of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), while Cygwin is a Unix-like environment for Windows.

Step 2: Choose an IDE

The next step is to choose an IDE. As mentioned earlier, an IDE is a software application that provides a set of tools for developing and debugging software. Some popular IDEs for C++ development on Windows include Visual Studio, Code::Blocks, and Eclipse.

For beginners, Visual Studio Community is a great option as it includes a code editor, a compiler, and a debugger, all in one package. You can download it for free from Microsoft’s website.

Step 3: Download and install the chosen IDE

Once you have chosen an IDE, the next step is to download and install it. Most IDEs provide a download link on their website. Follow the instructions provided by the installer to complete the installation process. Visual Studio Community, for example, has a straightforward installation process that guides you through the necessary steps.

Step 4: Set up the compiler

After installing the IDE, you need to set it up to use the C++ compiler you installed in Step 1. If you are using Visual Studio, the compiler should be automatically detected and set up for you. If you are using a standalone compiler, you may need to configure the IDE to use the compiler. This can typically be done by selecting the compiler in the IDE’s settings or preferences.

Step 5: Create a new project

Once the compiler is set up, you can create a new C++ project in the IDE. Most IDEs provide templates for creating new C++ projects. Select the appropriate template and follow the instructions to create a new project.

Step 6: Write and compile code

With the new project set up, you can start writing C++ code in the IDE’s code editor. To compile the code, use the IDE’s build tools. In Visual Studio, for example, you can click on the Build menu and then select Build Solution. This will compile the code into machine code.

Step 7: Run the program

Once the code has been compiled, you can run the program using the IDE’s run tools. In Visual Studio, you can click on the Debug menu and then select Start Without Debugging. This will execute the program and display its output.

That’s it! You have successfully installed C++ on Windows and written your first C++ program. Remember, there is a lot more to learn about C++ programming, and this is just the beginning. Keep practicing and learning to improve your skills.