Coding in C++ on Mac

If you're new to programming and C++, you may want to reconsider your choice of language as the starting point. However, if you're still interested in learning C++, this article will guide you through the process of setting up a code editor on your Mac to write, compile, and run C++ programs.

To begin with, we'll need a code editor - a program that allows us to write our source code. For this tutorial, we'll be using Atom, a popular text editor for coding. To get started, download and install the Atom text editor from their official website. After installing, open up Atom and follow these steps:

1. Open the preferences page by clicking on `Atom` > `Preferences`.

2. Search for `gpp-compiler` in the search bar.

3. Click on `Install` to install the compiler.

Once installed, you can now write your C++ programs within Atom. To compile and run your program, follow these steps:

1. Create a new file by clicking on `File` > `New File`.

2. Write your C++ code in the editor.

3. Save the file with a `.cpp` extension (e.g., `hello.cpp`).

4. Right-click on the file in the tree view and select `Compile and Run`.

This will compile your program using the tools installed with Xcode, and the terminal window should pop up to run your program.

For those who prefer a more comprehensive integrated development environment (IDE), consider installing CLion. CLion uses CMake as its build system, making it platform-agnostic by default. While CLion is available for all platforms, including Windows, I suggest getting it if you can afford it.

When compiling and linking your program, keep in mind that the linker (`ld`) may assume that 'Mac' means 'x86' architecture and set up files for the wrong architecture. If this happens, simply adjust the file types specified in a YAML file to match your system's architecture.

In conclusion, coding in C++ on Mac is possible with the right tools and setup. With Atom as our code editor and Xcode as our compiler, we can write, compile, and run C++ programs easily. Remember that CLion is an excellent option for those who prefer a more comprehensive IDE experience. Happy coding!

Coding in c++ on mac