How to Install Microsoft Visual Studio Code for C++ Coding

About

Computer Engineering and Science students may need a code editor for their coursework.  For windows users, you can follow these steps to prepare your VS Code environment for C++ coding.

Environment

Windows

Steps

• Go to code.visualstudio.com and click Download. It will detect the build for your environment.  It will download the .exe file.

• You can click the .exe. Do not adjust the destination location.  For additional tasks, you can create a desktop icon for ease of use.
• Now, you will need a C++ compiler.  It is recommended that you use MinGW. Click Download to get the installer.
• Click on the .exe file downloaded.
• This will open the installer and click "Install"
• Click Continue 
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• Click continue again if needed 
• You'll be prompted to choose which packages to install. In this case, you'll need g++ to run .cpp files.  It's recommended to choose base as well.
• Then, click Installation and Apply Changes 
• Then, click Apply.           
• Now, go to your search bar at the bottom of the screen, and type in This PC. 
• Then, click Local Disk on the left side, and MinGW from the available folders. 
• Click bin                         
• Right click on the navigator bar, and click copy address. 
• Now, you can go to the search bar, type in environment variables and click environment variables. 
• Click Environment Variables 
• Then, click Path and Edit under system variables.
• Click new, paste the address we copied. Then, click Ok                              
• Open VS Code, and go to explorer. Click Open Folder.  
• Right click in the white space, click new, then folder and name your folder. Then, click select folder. 
• Go to extensions, find the C++ extension and install it
• Now, you can run a .cpp program. Go to explorer, and click ctrl+n to open a new file.  Name it with your chosen file name, and the extension .cpp                               
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