Ok, what?

[super-smashman]

Ok, so I'm trying to learn C++ because we're doing VB in class and our class is moving extremely slowly. I don't understand what exactly a compiler is (I get what it does though) and where I can get one.

[chickendude]

A compiler is a program that converts source code into computer language. You need it or your program will just be a bunch of letters thrown into a file.

easy to install compilers can be bought at most computer stores
I know there's a free one called GCC, you can find it online with google or something
but its a pain to install & use
you have to write your programs in notepad, save them as .c s and then go into dos prompt and compile it from there

like gcc helloworld.c

My school uses it, and I have it installed on my comp, it works, but it doesn't have the other compiler amenities (text editor GUI, etc)

[ad0gg]

Try Dev-C++. It is very easy to use and has an IDE. http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html

[super-smashman]

Ugh, stupid everything...

Ok so I'm (tying to) follow this guide that tells me to write this code and compile it.

I wrote it and saved it as .cpp

#include <iostream.h>

int main()
{
    cout << "Hello World!\n";
return 0;
}

I installed Dev-C++ and I opened the hello.cpp file and went to Execute-> Compile. What next?

It (the guide) tells me to run Hello.exe but I can't find it in the folder where the .cpp file is or in the program folder.

[ad0gg]

Try using the "Compile and Run" option. It should be right underneath "Compile" in the "Execute" menu (or maybe above).

[super-smashman]

It says that its compiling and thats it. It closes and nothing runs.

[ad0gg]

Oh, add this statement on the line before "return 0;":

system("PAUSE");

That's the only downside with Dev-C++. You have to add that line in every program if you don't want it to quit immediately.

[talisman]

there's probably torrents of visual C++ floating around somewhere. but ffr doesn't endorse that I'm sure.

the only compiler I've ever used is visual C++

[soccr743]

More like there is a beta of Visual Studio 2005 on Microsoft's website if you search for it. It is a very nice thing to have (Personally I use Visual Studio 2003 with VisualAssistX [Nice add on to Visual Studio but expensive])

Also, ad0gg, its not a downside to Dec-C++. Every compiler will compile that code the same and it will run and then display nothing. Now, you can always open up the command prompt and then open up your exe from there. Then it will just return to the command prompt and not the OS.

-----Soccr743-----

[nickadeemus]

In my CP class, the school sells us the 7 disc VS.net 2003 and library stuff for $7. They had it online for free, but it was using too much space, so the price comes from the CD's. Maybe I could hook you up with another copy.

[ad0gg]

Originally Posted by soccr743

Also, ad0gg, its not a downside to Dec-C++. Every compiler will compile that code the same and it will run and then display nothing. Now, you can always open up the command prompt and then open up your exe from there. Then it will just return to the command prompt and not the OS.

KDevelop automatically adds that line (or something comparable to it), when it compiles. But, KDevelop does not have a Windows version, and I'm assuming you are using Windows.

[Chromer]

static public void main(String[] args);
{
system.out.println ("FFR is teh suck!);

Nah I'm joking. ROFL

[soccr743]

Originally Posted by Chromer

static public void main(String[] args); <--
{
system.out.println ("FFR is teh suck!);
<--

Nah I'm joking. ROFL

You did that wrong btw :P

public static void main(String[] args)
{
     system.out.println("FFR is teh suck!);
}

[lightdarkness]

Originally Posted by soccr743

You did that wrong btw :P

public static void main(String[] args)
{
     System.out.println("FFR is teh suck!);
}

You did too...

public static void main(String[] args)
{
     System.out.println("FFR is teh suck!");
}

[Chromer]

ROFL at our Syntax errors.

[Moogy]

I stole the disc with Visual Studio 2003 on it from my programming class last year. I am cool.

[soccr743]

However, no Visual Studio 2003 setup is complete without that VisualAssist plugin from Whole Tomato. That thing is godly and worth the 99 dollars I paid for it.

If you do alot of coding in Visual Studio 2003, GET IT!

-----Soccr743-----

[suicidalmuskrat]

Want to explain exactly what it is, and what it does soccr?

[soccr743]

http://www.wholetomato.com/

Go there to see the features etc (More then just on that page)

But in general it provides for MUCH IMPROVED syntax highlighting which even allows for different colors for local and non-local variables. It also has great variable, function, class, etc name support. If you have a function named getSuicidalMuskrat() then all you have to type is GSM and it will show the choice in the list (Makes for fast coding). This is much improved over "Intellisense" "(I think Microsoft calls it that).

Worth every penny for people who are actually serious about programming.

-----Soccr743-----

[FoJaR]

Originally Posted by soccr743

Worth every penny for people who are actually serious about programming.

-----Soccr743-----

or lazy