> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nodejsdocs.gitbook.io/everthing-c++/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nodejsdocs.gitbook.io/everthing-c++/installation.md).

# Installation

To write and run C++ programs, you'll need:

* A **text editor** or **IDE** (Integrated Development Environment)
* A **C++ compiler**

Here’s how you can set it up depending on your operating system:

***

#### 🪟 Windows

**Option 1: Using MinGW + VS Code (Recommended for Beginners)**

1. **Install MinGW Compiler**
   * Download from: <https://www.mingw-w64.org>
   * Select `x86_64` architecture, latest version, and `posix` threads.
   * Add the `bin` folder (e.g., `C:\Program Files\mingw-w64\...\bin`) to the system `Path`.
2. **Install VS Code**
   * Download from: <https://code.visualstudio.com>
   * Install the **C/C++ Extension** by Microsoft.
3. **Test Your Setup**
   * Open VS Code terminal, type:

     ```bash
     g++ --version
     ```

     You should see the GCC version if installed correctly.

**Option 2: Install Visual Studio (Full IDE)**

* Download from: <https://visualstudio.microsoft.com>
* Select the **Desktop development with C++** workload during installation.

***

#### 🍎 macOS

1. **Install Xcode Command Line Tools**
   * Open Terminal and type:

     ```bash
     xcode-select --install
     ```
2. **Check Compiler**
   * Run:

     ```bash
     g++ --version
     ```

     or

     ```bash
     clang++ --version
     ```
3. **(Optional) Use VS Code or CLion**
   * VS Code: Install from <https://code.visualstudio.com>
   * Install the C++ extension by Microsoft.

***

#### 🐧 Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

1. **Install g++**
   * Open terminal and run:

     ```bash
     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install build-essential
     ```
2. **Check installation**
   * Run:

     ```bash
     g++ --version
     ```
3. **(Optional) Use an IDE**
   * Popular IDEs: VS Code, CLion, Eclipse CDT

Still questions , ask chatgpt.