how to build .exe with Visual Studio 2005?

[dancks]

I'm trying to figure out how to compile an empty project. I'm using sample code to test the Allegro game programming library. I can build and use rebuild without any problems: "========== Rebuild All: 1 succeeded, 0 failed, 0 skipped ==========
". The file is saved. I try debug and it tells me the .exe wasn't created. What is going on? I remember experiencing this problem with VS 2011 beta but I don't remember what it took. I think I had to open a specific project and import windows specific libraries. The program is just supposed to print out to the command line. I usually develop with the mac where you just use linux commands and everything is set up for you.

[Moschops]

If the project is empty (i.e. contains no source code), what do you expect to happen? What do you expect the exe file to be built out of?

[dancks]

the c++ source file contained within the project hinted at by "I'm using sample code to test the Allegro game programming library."

[Moschops]

I'm trying to figure out how to compile an empty project.

In Visual Studio, a project is a collection of files to be turned into an executable or library. You said it was empty.

[dancks]

READ AGAIN I'm saying I started with a blank project: i.e no template with my own code. I was wondering why I can't get it to compile. Also good job reporting me due to miscommunication. I'm just trying to provide as much information as I thought it might be helpful

EDIT: OK the first sentence was confusing. Sorry. I'm assuming you didn't read anything past that as you might've figured out what I was trying to say.

[Moschops]

Also good job reporting me due to miscommunication.

Good job guessing wrong. I've got better things to do than push the report button.

If your project builds successfully but produces no executable file, then your project contains no cpp files, or contains no main function, or is set to be built as a library rather than an executable.

[GFreak45]

that depends on the type of project, you can have a main function and change the settings to create a dll or lib file and you can create an exe with all header files and no cpps. If you dont have a main function the program will tell you "missing entry point" or something to that effect. I forget where but you can change a setting to explicitly produce an executable file. it should be in:
Project -> <Project Name> Properties

Also make sure 100% of the errors are dealt with before compiling, because if it has a compile time error it wont compile into anything. (Runtime errors are different)