0 Getting Started with CPP

Tools

C++ is a statically compiled language. In order to run your program it must first convert the source code to a form that can be executed by the computer. This requires a translation step using a few tools; a compiler and a linker. These are often distributed together. The compiler and linker that you choose will depend on your OS platform and needs.

In addition to a compiler and linker you may find it easier to work in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) which ties these tools together to ease their use.

Linux

The Linux platform has numerous options for working with C++. Many Linux users work directly at the command line, invoking their compiler directly [for small sample programs], as follows:

 clang++ -Wall --std=c++11 main.cpp

or g++ -Wall --std=c++11 main.cpp

In addition to working at the command line there are numerous IDEs available, such as: <<TODO: Links>>

• Eclipse
• Qt Creator
• <TODO: ...>

Windows

Most commercial applications in Windows are written using Microsoft Visual Studio. Microsoft Visual Studio includes all of the tools that you need all in one package. TODO: Link to free version

In addition there are other open source options, such as: <<TODO: Links>>

• Eclipse
• Qt Creator
• <TODO: ...>

Your First Program

The simplest C++ program follows this form:

int main() { }

main() is the entry point for the program.