Development Environment Setup

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Development Environment Setup

🎯 Recommended: VSCode + MinGW

For the best learning experience, we recommend using Visual Studio Code with the MinGW-w64 compiler. This is the same setup used by professional C++ developers worldwide.

✅ Why This Setup?

  • Professional Tools: Learn with industry-standard software
  • Excellent Learning Features: IntelliSense code completion, integrated debugging
  • Great Error Messages: Clear explanations help you learn from mistakes
  • Integrated Terminal: Compile and run programs without leaving the editor
  • Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Free: Professional-grade tools at no cost

🚀 Quick Setup

Complete Instructions: Follow the official guide at VSCode C++ Configuration with MinGW

Summary Steps:

  1. Install Visual Studio Code
  2. Install MinGW-w64 compiler
  3. Install C/C++ extension for VSCode
  4. Configure build tasks and debugging
  5. Test with a simple “Hello World” program

Time Required: 15-30 minutes for complete setup

🌐 Alternative Options

If you prefer to start immediately without installation:

  • Replit.com: Browser-based C++ environment

If you want a simpler desktop option:

  • Code::Blocks: All-in-one IDE with built-in compiler

💡 Recommendation

Start Path: Begin with Replit.com for Session 1-2 to try C++ immediately, then set up VSCode + MinGW for the full course experience.

Learning Path: VSCode + MinGW gives you skills directly transferable to professional development work.

🆘 Need Help?

If you run into setup issues:

  1. Check the official VSCode C++ documentation
  2. VSCode has extensive troubleshooting guides
  3. Fall back to Replit.com to continue learning while troubleshooting

📁 File Organization

Once your environment is set up:

  • Create a cpp_course folder for all your programs
  • Organize by sessions: session_01, session_02, etc.
  • Save all your code - you’ll reference earlier programs later!

Ready to code? Start with Session 1: What is Programming? once your environment is ready!