CPS120: Introduction to Computer Science Compiling Your Programs Using Visual C++

Compiler Files • Source code (.cpp) • Linked/Library file • Object file (.obj) • Executable file (.exe)

Executable Files • A machine-language executable file created when the compilation process is complete – All that is needed to run the program – Not human-readable – Has the extension .EXE

– Stored in binary form • Copies may be distributed (portable) – Known as an application

Compiling and Debugging • Executable code will not be created until you correct all of the syntax errors in your source code • Then the fun (with logic errors) begins

Creating Source Code Files Actually Compiling a Program

Creating Source Code • Don’t use a word processor • You can use WordPad or NotePad • An editor specifically designed for C++ is available in the Visual Studio IDE

Using the Editor • Save often because there is no autosave in Visual C++ • The editor will do matching of delimiters and intelligent indentation

Color Coding in Visual C++ Editor • Comments are green and are ignored by the compiler • All ANSI keywords are coded in blue • Other code is in plain black – Compiler keywords like cin and cout are also shown in black

Setting Up a Visual C++ Workspace 1.

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Left-click START In the program section, select Visual Studio or Visual C++ (depending on what is installed) Left click on the Visual C++ icon to load the environment Create a new work area by choosing FILE/NEW Choose FILES tab i.

Click on the C++ Source File to reach the editor • Add a filename and directory before continuing e.g. c:/cppFun/myFirstCpp

Setting Up a Visual C++ Workspace 7.

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Create the directory with START / EXPLORE Double-click the drive letter Choose FILE, NEW FOLDER 10. Left click on FOLDER 11. Change new folder to cppFUN 12. Close Explorer with the X 13. Back in Visual C++, type myFirstCpp in the file box 14. Click OK and get back to the main edit screen

Setting Up a Visual C++ Workspace 15. Enter the source code 16. After entering the program, FILE then SAVE

Why Create New Subdirectories?

• You should always use subdirectories to store your files. Visual C++ creates quire a few work files when it generates the executable file for you source code, and they will be easy to dispose of if you keep everything together in one convenient place. • Under no circumstances should you use the root (C:\) directory except on a floppy disk (A:\).

Running the Program 1. Press the REBUILD ALL button. It has two arrows in a box 2. Press the RUN button. It is a red exclamation point

Disk Space Issues • Text files are insignificant in terms of space • However, at least six other files are created every time something is compiled; some get around 95% full – Highlighting the disk in are 3 or 4 times larger than the source – You can delete anything but the file with the .cpp suffix; everything else can be recreated

Recompiling 1.

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Open the file by going the file you stored it in and double clicking on it Scan the source code for obvious errors before attempting to compile Attempt to compile using the COMPILE button or choosing the first option on the BUILD menu – Answer Yes to use the default project workspace The lower window will be active and the compile will occur – Note the number of errors and warnings These need to be dealt with before executable code is created