Installing C++ & Setup — C++ Tutorial

Installing a C++ Compiler

You need a C++ compiler like g++ (GCC), clang++, or MSVC. Most systems can install one easily.

Example

# Check if g++ is installed
g++ --version

# macOS (includes clang++)
xcode-select --install

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install g++

# Windows: Install MinGW-w64 or use Visual Studio

# Compile and run
g++ -o program main.cpp
./program

# With C++17 standard
g++ -std=c++17 -o program main.cpp

Program Structure

Every C++ program follows a standard structure with preprocessor directives, namespaces, and the main function.

Example

#include <iostream>  // preprocessor directive
#include <string>

using namespace std; // use standard library without std::

// Function declaration
void greet(string name);

// Main function — entry point
int main() {
    greet("Alice");
    return 0;  // 0 means success
}

// Function definition
void greet(string name) {
    cout << "Hello, " << name << "!" << endl;
}