Setting Up C++ Development in Visual Studio Code on Linux

Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is a popular code editor that supports various programming languages, including C++. With the right extensions and configurations, you can set up a comprehensive development environment for C++ projects on your Linux machine. In this article, we will explore the necessary steps to get started with C++ development in VSCode on Linux.

Firstly, it is essential to install the C/C++ extension for VSCode, which provides syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging capabilities. To do so, open the Extensions panel in VSCode by clicking the Extensions icon in the left sidebar or pressing Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + X (macOS). Search for 'C/C++' in the Extensions Marketplace and install the extension.

Next, you need to install the CMake Tools extension, which allows you to configure and build your CMake projects. This extension is particularly useful when working with C++ projects that use CMake as their build system. To install the extension, follow the same steps as above, searching for 'CMake Tools' in the Extensions Marketplace.

Another important extension is Remote WSL, which enables you to open workspaces from your Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) installation. This allows you to develop and debug C++ projects directly within VSCode, without having to switch between different environments.

Once you have installed these extensions, you can start creating a new C++ project in VSCode. To do so, create a new folder for your project and add a `main.cpp` file with the following content:

```

#include

using namespace std;

int main() {

cout << 'Hello, World!' << endl;

return 0;

}

```

With this code in place, you can start debugging your C++ program using VSCode's built-in debugger. To do so, set some breakpoints (or not) and hit the Big Green Play Button.

In addition to these extensions, it is also worth noting that you can configure the compiler paths by modifying the `launch.json` file. This file controls the launch settings for your C++ projects, including the compiler executable and any additional flags or options.

By following these steps, you should now have a fully functional C++ development environment set up in VSCode on your Linux machine. With this configuration, you can run, debug, and get IntelliSense for your C/C++ files, making it an ideal choice for competitive programming and other small to medium-sized projects.

In conclusion, setting up C++ development in Visual Studio Code on Linux is a straightforward process that requires only a few extensions and configurations. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a comprehensive development environment that meets your needs and helps you stay productive.

C++ visual studio code linux