1.3 Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Note: this course utilizes zyLabs, a zyBooks operated development environment right in your book. If you’d like you can also utilize an external environment. Please use the following to guide you.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for C++

Below is a listing of two (2) free Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that are available to download. Please select one to use for your performance assessment. The links below will direct you to the various publishers’ pages. Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions about tool specific system requirements.

1. Microsoft Visual Studio
   • Full C and C++ IDE with Visual Studio
   • How to Create Standard C++ Program:
     Walkthrough: Creating a Standard C++ Program (C++)
     Getting Started with C++ in Visual Studio
     NOTE: You may need to include the following as a first line in your C++ (cpp) source files: #include stdafx.h
   • How to download MS Visual Studio
     • To access Visual Studio through WGU’s Imagine tool, click here.
       • This link will create an account for you if you do not have one already.
       • Please note that you will need to be logged into the WGU portal for this link to work correctly.
       • If you are not logged into the WGU portal, you will be prompted to do so. Your access should remain open as long as you are currently enrolled in an IT College program at WGU.
     • IMPORTANT: Software from Microsoft Imagine and VMware are temporary downloads meant to be used for academic studies only. Using the software to build or upgrade your computer is a violation of the Microsoft User License Agreement.
2. Eclipse
   • To download, visit: Eclipse CDT (C/C++ Development Tooling)
   • For tutorials and examples, visit: CDT Documentation
   • For further detailed instruction, read the Quick Start Guide_FINAL.docxlocated within WGU’s file manager.
     Note: To locate Quick Start Guide, click the hyperlink provided above to access the file manager; then scroll down to locate the file in the alphabetical listing. In the description field, you will see reference to “C867 Scripting and Programming Applications_IDE”.