How to Compile and Run C++ File using Visual Studio Code in 5 Minutes or Less

Who is the audience: This is intended for those who have previous experience with computer programming, use Visual Studio Code previously or currently, and interested in learning more about how to code C++.

Operating System: macOS Mojave

*note: you don't have to use Mac for this tutorial, but note that some of the keyboard shortcuts in this tutorial are Mac-specific. (but if you use Windows also, you will know what key to swap, I trust you!)

Tool: Visual Studio Code

Setup Steps:

1. Install Visual Studio Code on your Mac
2. Open Visual Studio Code and Install These Two Plugins

• Name: C/C++ Clang Command Adapter
  VS Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=mitaki28.vscode-clang
• Name: C/C++ Project Generator
  VS Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=danielpinto8zz6.c-cpp-project-generator
• Name: Code Runner
  VS Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=formulahendry.code-runner

3. Type in ‘Create C++ project’ command prompt (⌘ + P) in Visual Studio Code to create a new C++ project

afterward, one should follow its instruction in creating the new file folder destination

4. Open the folder that contains newly generated C++ project files in Visual Studio Code

You should see in the folder have a file structure similar to the following:

5. Open src/main.cpp file in VS Code and click Ctrl + Option + N

6. Boom! You just ran your first C++ project!

Enjoy the sweet sweet smooth start because…..

There is one important thing you can’t do with this setup:

Breakpoint debugging! (In case you are so new that you do not know what is a breakpoint, please do some basic google search, you should be able to find a better answer) Bummer right? But hey, at least it's running for now! So eventually you may have to try to get the Visual Studio Code working with the original plugin for C++ with Microsoft:
Name: C/C++
VS Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode.cpptools

👆 which is extremely buggy and it was …

My Previous Attempt!

The default Microsoft C/C++ Visual Studio Code extension just never runs the right way. sadly… and many online tutorials are surrounding that 3 stars plugin -_- (in compare Code Runner has 4.5 stars rating) I spent 2 hours of my life to try to make it work, but you know, some relationship just does not work the way it should… a breakup was necessary! So plz enjoy the easy start and if it ever reaches a point no longer.

Enjoy your newly hacked up C++ setup with VS Code! and Please do leave comments on how it helped you (if any) and if you have success in setup the original C/C++ extension so it may be helpful for others!