2 days into programming, need some help

[apox01]

Hi 2 days ago I decided I wanted to get into programming, or at least make a good attempt to learning one. I have done a bit of research on what language to start with first. I settled with C++ and some comments caused some fear in me to tackle this as my first language but here I am. I bought a book called "Sams Teach Yourself C++" and was adviced from a friend to download DevC++ for when I write code and compile.

In Lesson 1 I created hello.cpp, and this was the example the book asked me to input into the compiler

#include <iostream>

int main()
{
  std::cout << "Hello World!\n";
  return 0;
}

When this is done, the book ask me to compile and run the code. I should be able to see the words "Hello World!".

My problem is when I go to execute > compile and run option, I get no errors but the program window flashes nothing else. AT first I thought it was int main(); but the book mentions that most compilers dont need the ";" symbol. Either way I am a bit confused right now, sorry if this is way noobish but I only been doing this 2 days and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[long double main]

See this thread:
http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/beginner/1988/

[Need4Sleep]

Just dont get into using System("pause") if your read that thread!!! Also, in my own opinion, Codeblocks and Visual C++ are your best options for compilers.

[apox01]

Thank you so far for the replies. I did read the thread linked and I was a bit confused by it all but I think I understand a little (this so far is a lot to take in)

I did however noticed further in my book, it mentioned to check my compiler documentation to see a way to cause the program to pause after execution. (How does one check this?)

The book recommended I use the following

char response;
std::cin >> response;

I used this and the program stopped flashing. I see the words "hello world!" and then I have to type anything and press enter.

I have a question though, Is Codeblocks free? and If I switch to a different compiler do I still need to input this code in all of my future programs?

THanks again

[long double main]

That's not exactly the best way to pause a program after execution...(though it does work in most cases, I'll admit)

Your best option would probably be

std::cout << "Press Enter to quit . . . ";
std::cin.sync();
std::cin.ignore(std::numeric_limits<std::streamsize>::max(), '\n');

You'll need to have #include <limits> for that to work.

Yes, Code::Blocks is free (see http://www.codeblocks.org/).

Some IDEs (like Code::Blocks and Microsoft Visual C++) have a way to pause the program after execution. (the two I just mentioned do it automatically as far as I can remember, without you having to dig through the settings)
But that's only if you run it through the IDE.

If you want to be able to just double-click on the file and have it pause when it finishes, you'll still need to put that code at the end.

[OxBADC0DE]

I suggest you try out Bloodshed Dev-C++ 5.0.0.1 compiler,it really is a good compiler,works fine for me

[binga30]

I am also a beginner, what is wrong with the System("pause") command?

[Moschops]

http://www.gidnetwork.com/b-61.html

[apox01]

This is great advice all around. I feel I learned so much in just posting here.

@Matri X - I will check Bloodshed out.

@ Moschops - That article is amazing I printed it, and will now make sure to break that habit early.

I plan to use long double main's example posted above from now on, or anything that is not system pause :)

I actually decided to download various compilers just to see how the code works for each one. This is a blast thus far, look forward to posting more stuff in the future.

Thanks again

[shury]

You can also try this. It will wait for you to press a key before exit.

std::cin.getch();

[Moschops]

I suggest you try out Bloodshed Dev-C++ 5.0.0.1

The new versions, 5 onwards, are just Dev-cpp; no "Bloodshed" (I think - I cannot check as the new web blocker is ridiculously sensitive). Looking for the Bloodshed version will result in finding the bad, old versions.

[ne555]

You could also execute your console programs from a console.
Or adjust the console configuration so it does not close in termination

If I switch to a different compiler do I still need to input this code in all of my future programs?

The issue is with your IDE. What they do is to generate a wrapper that executes your program.
I recommend you to not dirty your code.

[packetpirate]

@long double main

You don't need to use the cin.ignore() call... just do this...

std::cin.sync();
std::cout << "Press any key to continue...";
std::cin.get();

@apox01

Two mistakes you've made already...

1. Don't use Dev-C++... it comes with an outdated version of the GCC compiler, and is no longer supported. Not only that, but it lacks features, such as auto-complete that make IDEs like Eclipse, Code::Blocks, and Visual Studio great.

2. Don't use "Sam's Teach Yourself C++"... any book that claims it can teach you a programming language in "10 hours a day" or "in 21 days" is terrible and will ruin you. Get a real book like "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup (the creator of the language) or a book like "C++, How to Program" by Deitel & Deitel. It has example exercises and projects at the end of each chapter that reinforce what you've learned, which sadly, most books lack.

[Noobscratcher]

get rid of return 0; :) it turns off the application

[apox01]

@ packetpirate

I have a friend that said he can give me visual studio 6.0 and that I can use that compiler. Till then I guess I will just use Code::Blocks and ditch DevC++. Is this a good option?

Regarding the book. Ouch it cost me 50 bucks... I am so dissapointed to hear this book is no good. I noted down the other 2 you mentioned and next week will try to get my hands on them. I guess for now after gathering everyones replies this is what my hello world looks like.

//preprocessor signal to fetch files when compiler runs
#include <iostream>
#include <limits>

int main()
{
    using std::cout; //namespace standard library cout
    cout << "Hello World!\n";
    
    
    
    //automatic pause at the end
    cout << "Press ENTER to continue...";
    std::cin.ignore( std::numeric_limits<std::streamsize>::max(), '\n' );        
}

Hopefully this is much better and I took out the return 0; like Noobscrather mentioned.

Thanks again

[Noobscratcher]

to do hello world is easy

#include <iostream> 

using namespace std; 

int main()
{
     cout << "Hello World"; << endl;
}

I personally seriously think Code::Blocks is the best C++ IDE out there :)

When you get good with Code::Blocks and your looking for a change you can use gvim and cmd with mingw32-g++ compiler .

1.) you just download gvim

2.) then download Mingw

3.) then add mingw/bin to path variable


Then you can make a makefile using this as a template

all: app

app: main.cpp 

#-l is  your linker flags

# -I is your include paths

# -L is your lib paths

# you must also put your main.cpp file right after the compiler your using 

mingw32-g++ main.cpp -o appexe -lmingw32 -lwinmm -lSDLmain -lSDL -lSDL_image -lSDL_ttf -lboost_system-mgw46-s-1_49 -lboost_filesystem-mgw46-mt-sd-1_49 -lopengl32 -I"C:\\SDL-1.2.14\\include" -I"C:\\boost_1_49_0"  -L"C:\SDL-1.2.14\\lib" -L"C:\boost_1_49_0\stage\\lib" 


# this is optional, but it's nice
.PHONY: all

Save out as Makefile

Exactly like that ^^

Then you can use mingw32-g++ in cmd.

By cding.

cd means change directory

cd c:/


to where ever your make file is and use the command mingw32-make -f Makefile

to build the Makefile


then you can run the exe by using appname.exe in cmd

and wala :D

[long double main]

By the way, omitting the return 0; at the end of main() won't stop your program from insta-exiting after it finishes.

Just putting that out there...

[ui uiho]

use a different compiler( i use xcode, eclipse is also VERY nice) if you do not do install a different compiler doing
cout << "Press ENTER to continue...";
cin.ignore();
return 0;

is a good idea, remember that using namespace std is good for beginners before you learn anything about namespaces, so take away the std:: for example

//program by a new guy <-- this is a comment, does not change the program
#include<iostream>

using namespace std;

int main(){
cout << "Hello world" << endl; // endl is like hitting enter so you get a new line
cout << "Press ENTER to continue...";
cin.ignore();
return 0;
}

[Zephilinox]

its not good for beginners, its good for lazy people, the sooner you stop using namespace std the better.

[trexmix]

i consider a beginner's guide to c++ by john smiley to be a great starting point. has anyone else read it? i think its good.