Beginning C++

[Lenton]

I Want to start programming in c++. I have researched the language on the internet and now know a lot about it's background.

I'm still a bit stuck on the tools you need. I know you need a compiler but do you just write the code into notepad??

Could you just please tell me what I need to start?

Thanks.

[Godlord]

Notepad is not suggested but you can use it, if you're experienced enough and if you've no other options.

As for IDEs I recommend Code::Blocks as it works on Linux, Windows and Mac OS X (Not completely though).

Other people also use Microsoft Visual C but it doesn't seem to follow the ISO standard.

Dev-Cpp is also a lot of people use but it's kind of getting out-dated and there hasn't been a new version for ages.

Regards,
  Godlord.

[Lenton]

Thanks for the reply…

Which one do you thinks the best for me overall?

Are they all free?

[Godlord]

They're all three free compiler/IDE-wise mainly. MSVC isn't free though if you want to have a more extended version.

The best in my opinion is Code::Blocks it beats the other IDEs at several points but other may disagree with me.

Code::Blocks is easy to use, cross-platform, can be standard strict, highlighting for Doxygen (commenting style), allows plug-ins, workspaces + projects + files, etc.

When I moved from Dev-Cpp to Code::Blocks, it has amazed me. But there's one feature I really miss and that's being able to download and install packages (SDKs) via a package manager instead of manually.

Yet, it's not hard to do it manually though.

And that I'm promoting Code::Blocks here has its reason and yet I also want to promote the others but if somebody really disagrees with my opinion then he's allowed to fight back for his favourite IDE.

Regards,
  Godlord.

[Lenton]

Ok, I downloaded and opened code::blocks. I created a new project but which type do I choose to begin with?

Thanks for your help so far godlord.

[Godlord]

Console application or empty project if you're starting with C++.

Regards,
  Godlord.

[Lenton]

Also, does it matter which compiler I use?

If so which is a good one?

[Godlord]

Not really, the only one which comes by default is MinGW/GCC unless you used another type of installer.

Regards,
  Godlord.

[Lenton]

I don't see anywhere to write the code or start to program.

[Godlord]

On the left you've your workspace + projects. The only thing you've to do is add new files which can be done via the meny.

Regards,
  Godlord.

[Lenton]

Thanks for all of your help godlord!

Now all I need to do is learn the language. :P

[Godlord]

No problem at all. I just set up Doxygen for making documentation for my projects.

[Doxygen of Project Haxx](http://www.worldwarproductions.com/projecthaxx/client/main.html)

Regards,
  Godlord.

[Lenton]

I found code::block really hard to use, so I downloaded Dev and it seems so much simpler.

I have created a code that will bring up a message up on the screen. I compile and run but the window appears and disappears straight away.

How would I get the window to stay or create a window design?

Thanks.

[Godlord]

If you're talking about Win32 UI read this:
http://www.winprog.org/

If not, can you please clarify in that case?

Regards,
  Godlord.

[gizmo1]

hey thats what i was talking about :@, lol you said its in compatable for dev-c++ :(.

[Lenton]

Wow, it comes with some awsume example apps..

Thanks again.

[Godlord]

@•RЧĐIИØPHØR•:

> hey thats what i was talking about :@, lol you said its in compatable for dev-c++ :(.

You were talking, as it seemed, about some visual UI editor which is different from the current subject. Also clarification is a must when being a programmer.

Regards,
  Godlord.

[dacypher]

As far as the window popping up and then disappearing before you can see the result, if you use code::blocks, it automatically freezes the window until you hit a button. With another IDE, like Dev-C++, you can easily add an input at the end to make sure you can see the results before the window closes. Like:

string myString;
…_your code_…
..._end of program_…
cout << "Press any button to close the program.\n";
cin >> myString;

I am a bit rusty with C++, but that should do it.