How to Set up Visual Studio Code for C and C++ Programming 2025

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up Visual Studio Code (VSCode) for C and C++ programming on Windows. By following these steps, you'll be able to install the necessary tools and extensions to compile and run C/C++ code directly from VSCode.

Step 1: Download and Install MinGW

MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows) is a lightweight C/C++ compiler that you need to install first.

1. Visit the MinGW website:

   • Go to MinGW.

2. Download the installer:

   • Click on the "Download" option to get the MinGW installation manager.

3. Run the installer:

   • Follow the prompts to install MinGW. Ensure you select the following packages during installation:
     • mingw32-base (Basic MinGW)
     • mingw32-gcc-g++ (C++ Compiler)

4. Set up the system path:

   • After installation, add MinGW to your system path:
     • Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Properties."
     • Click on "Advanced system settings."
     • In the System Properties window, click on "Environment Variables."
     • In the "System variables" section, find the "Path" variable and click "Edit."
     • Add the path to the MinGW bin directory (usually C:\MinGW\bin).
     • Click "OK" to save changes.

Step 2: Download and Install Visual Studio Code

Next, you need to install Visual Studio Code, which is a lightweight code editor.

1. Go to the Visual Studio Code website:

   • Visit VSCode.

2. Download the installer:

   • Click the "Download" button for Windows.

3. Install VSCode:

   • Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 3: Install the Code Runner Extension

The Code Runner extension allows you to run code snippets directly from VSCode.

1. Open Visual Studio Code:

   • Launch the application after installation.

2. Access the Extensions view:

   • Click on the Extensions icon on the sidebar or press Ctrl + Shift + X.

3. Search for Code Runner:

   • In the search bar, type "Code Runner" and locate the extension by Jun Han.

4. Install the extension:

   • Click on the "Install" button to add Code Runner to your VSCode.

Step 4: Configure VSCode for C/C++

Now, you need to set up the editor to properly compile and run C/C++ code.

1. Open the Command Palette:

   • Press Ctrl + Shift + P to open the Command Palette.

2. Search for and select "C/C++: Edit Configurations (UI)":

   • This will allow you to create a configuration file for compiling C/C++ code.

3. Configure the settings:

   • In the configurations UI, set the following:
     • Compiler path: Point to the g++.exe location (usually C:\MinGW\bin\g++.exe).
     • Add any necessary flags or options you wish to use for compilation.

4. Save your configuration:

   • Make sure to save any changes made.

Step 5: Create and Run a C/C++ Program

You are now ready to write and run your first C/C++ program.

1. Create a new file:

   • Click on "File" > "New File" and save it with a .cpp extension for C++ (e.g., hello.cpp).

2. Write a simple program:

   #include <iostream>
   
   int main() {
       std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl;
       return 0;
   }
   

3. Run your program:

   • To execute the code, either:
     • Right-click inside the editor and select "Run Code," or
     • Press Ctrl + Alt + N to run the code via Code Runner.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up Visual Studio Code for C and C++ programming on Windows. You installed MinGW, VSCode, and the Code Runner extension, allowing you to write and execute C/C++ code seamlessly. As a next step, consider exploring additional VSCode extensions tailored for C/C++ development or delve into more complex programming projects to enhance your skills. Happy coding!