Installing C++

My main focus for getting into coding/programming was game design. My goal is to create video games either independently or as part of a studio. I started my journey with Flatiron and learned web design utilizing languages like Ruby, and JavaScript. However the majority of game engines used throughout the industry such as Unreal or Unity are based in compiled languages like C and C++. So I knew at some point I would need to venture away from interpreted languages and towards compiled languages. That venture began last night looking into how to install and work with C/C++ languages in VS code.

It was quite the journey, thankfully YouTube has tons of tutorial videos on the subject matter which made it a lot easier. Because C++ is a compiled language it can’t normally be read by computers and therefore requires a “compiler” in order to run the code. The first step in becoming C++ capable was by installing those compilers by visiting MSYS2 and installing g++ and gcc compiling software for C and C++ as well as gdb which is a debugging tool for C/C++.

Once the proper files were downloaded and supported inside of my Command Prompt terminal. It was time to download the proper extensions for working with C/C++ inside of VS Code. The extensions you’ll need are “C/C++ for Virtual Studio code” which adds language support, as well as Code Runner which allows VS code to run the programs you’ve written inside of the software.

With all of that out of the way I am one step closer to fulfilling my goal and beginning my work on actually creating video games. I am beyond excited for this journey and I can’t wait to be able to express all the ideas I have rattling around in my head through the world of coding.