How to Create a Simple Program in C++

Co-authored by Théo Dufort

Last Updated: November 3, 2024

Ever wanted to program in C++? The best way to learn is by looking at examples. Take a look at the basic C++ programming outline to learn about the structure of a C++ program, then create a simple program on your own.

Steps

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1
Get a compiler and/or IDE. Three good choices are GCC, or if your computer is running Windows, Visual Studio Express Edition or Dev-C++.

2

Try some example programs. Copy and paste the following into a text/code editor:

Bjarne Stroustrup

#include <iostream>[[Image:Create a Simple Program in C++ Step 1 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#include <string> 
using namespace std; 
int main () 
{
	string s;
	cout << "Your Name \n";
	cin  >> s;
	cout << "Hello, " << s << '\n' ;
	return 0;
}

A program for finding the sum of two numbers:

[[Image:Create a Simple Program in C++ Step 2 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#include <iostream>
using namespace std; 
int main () 
{
	int no1, no2, sum; 
	cout << "\nEnter the first number = " ; 
	cin  >> no1 ;
	cout << "\nEnter the second number = " ;
	cin  >> no2 ; 
	sum = no1 + no2 ;
	cout << "\nThe sum of "<< no1 <<" and "<< no2 <<" = "<< sum <<'\n' ;
	return 0 ;
}

A program for finding the product in multiplication problems:

[[Image:Create a Simple Program in C++ Step 3 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#include <iostream>
int main()
{
	int v1, v2, range;
	std::cout <<"Please input two numbers:"<< std::endl;
	std::cin  >> v1 >> v2;
	if (v1 <= v2)
	{
	range = v2 - v1;
} else {
	range = v1 - v2;	
}
std::cout << "range = " << range << std::endl;
return 0;
}

A program for finding the value of exponents:

[[Image:Create a Simple Program in C++ Step 4 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
	int value, pow, result=1;
	cout << "Please enter operand:" << endl;
	cin  >> value; #cout << "Please enter exponent:" << endl;
	cin  >> pow;
	for (int cnt=0; cnt!=pow; cnt++)
	result*=value;
	cout << value << " to the power of " << pow << " is: " << result << endl;
	return 0;
}

3
Save this as a .cpp file with a name that accurately reflects your program. Don't confuse there are many other extensions for C++ files, choose any of them (like *.cc, *.cxx, *.c++, *.cp) .
- Hint: It should say Save as Type: {select "All Files"}
4
Compile it. For users of linux and gcc compiler, use Command : g++ sum.cpp. Users of Window can use any C++ compiler, such as MS Visual C++,Dev-C++ or any other preferred program.
For users of Linux and gcc compiler Command : ./a.out (a.out is an executable file produce by compiler after compilation of program.)

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Are there online solving programs?

Community Answer

Yes, there are many types of online solving programming tests available on the internet.

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What are the uses of C++?

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Everything! It can be used in everything from programming games to making webpages, software, and databases.

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I'm interested in learning C++, but I don't have any money. What can I do?

Community Answer

Look for tutorials like this one online and teach yourself.

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Tips

cin.ignore() prevents the program from ending prematurely and closing the window immediately (before you have time to see it)! Press any key if you want to end the program. cin.get() functions in a similar manner.

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Add // before all of your comments.

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Feel free to experiment!

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Warnings

Your program will crash if you try to input alphabetical values to one of the "int" vars. Since no propper error trapping is done your program can't convert the values. Better read string or catch your exceptions.

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Make sure to stay as far away from Dev-C++ as possible, because it has multiple bugs, an outdated compiler, and has not been updated since 2005.

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Never use obsolete code.

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