Getting Started with C++ Programming
- A machine can't understand the language we use in our day-to-day conversations, and we can't understand the binary language the computer uses to do its tasks.
- Therefore, it is important for us to write instructions in a specially specified language such as C++ which is like a natural language and after converting the machine will understand it with the aid of a compiler.
C++ Compiler
- A C++ compiler is itself a computer program which’s only job is to convert the C++ program from our form to a form the computer can read and execute.
- The original C++ program is called the “source code”, and the resulting compiled code produced by the compiler is usually called an “object file”.
- Before compilation the preprocessor performs preliminary operations on C++ source files. Preprocessed form of the source code is sent to compiler.
- After compilation stage object files are combined with predefined libraries by a linker, sometimes called a binder, to produce the final complete file that can be executed by the computer.
- A library is a collection of pre-compiled “object code” that provides operations that are done repeatedly by many computer programs.
Integrated Development Environment
- Above Figure illustrates the process of translating a C++ source file into an executable file. You can perform entire process of invoking the preprocessor, compiler, and linker with a single action by using Integrated Development environment.
- These environments consist of a text editor, compiler, debugger, and other utilities integrated into a package with a single set of menus.
- Preprocessing, compiling, linking, and even executing a program is done by selecting a single item from a menu.
