Getting Started
To get started with a language like C++ we first need a medium to write and compile code on our devices
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Choosing an IDE
An IDE is Integrated Development Environment, this is where we can write code in an organized way and compile that code to make console applications or even graphics applications in the future. There are many options for choosing a C++ IDE
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IDE #1: Visual Studio
Visual Studio is my personal favorite IDE, because of its highly organized file explorer and project organization. Overall Visual Studio is an amazing free option for a C++ IDE and highly useful from beginner to advanced programmer. Throughout this website this is the IDE I will use to show examples and code so I suggest it above all others. It is also the easiest IDE for Windows users and Mac user but if you are using Linux you will have to use a different IDE.
InstallationTo install Visual Studio you first need to go to their official site using the button below.
Then scroll down until you see the install options for Visual Studio. If you are on Windows then select the first option and if you are on Mac you will want to choose the Visual Studio Mac option. Download the proper installer (.exe for windows and .dmg for mac). Open the file once it has finished downloading and follow the installation process.
Extra Help
If installation is proving difficult or confusing then this is a good resource for a video on installing it.
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IDE #2: Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a well known and widely used IDE. If you are interested in learning multiple programming languages this might be the best IDE because you can program with multiple different languages. The set up and use of Visual Studio Code is a lot more tedious and compilation is largely up to you. Compared to Visual Studio it is similar in some regards but does not have as many advantages as Visual Studio.
InstallationTo install Visual Studio Code you first need to go to their official site using the button below, the same as the site for Visual Studio.
Then scroll down until you see the install options for Visual Studio Code. It should be the third option from the left. Open the file once it has finished downloading and follow the installation process. This process will be different for each OS.
The installation to use C++ requires the installation of g++ an extension for compiling C++. Since I am not going to be using Visual Studio Code figuring this out is up to you but there are a lot of resources. Extra Help
If installation is proving difficult or confusing then this is a good resource.
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IDE #3: Atom
Atom is my favorite IDE for Linux. A lightweight and simple IDE but quite easy to use and learn on Linux. There are many other options for Linux and this is just one of my favorites. Feel free to explore all the options. Atom is more like a text editor so Visual Studio Code is maybe better for Linux, but I have always liked atom for its simplicity and custom properties.
InstallationTo install Atom go to their official website using the button below and follow their instructions for the installation.
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