How to install C OR C++ in Visual Studio Code - VScode | Programming fundation Basics
C/C++ support for Visual Studio Code is provided by a Microsoft C/C++ extension to enable cross-platform C and C++ development on Windows, Linux, and macOS. When you create a *.cpp file, the extension adds features such as syntax highlighting (colorization), smart completions and hovers (IntelliSense), and error checking.
Install the extension
Open VS Code.
Select the Extensions view icon on the Activity bar or use the keyboard shortcut (⇧⌘X).
Search for 'C++'.
Select Install.
Set up your C++ Environment
C++ is a compiled language meaning your program's source code must be translated (compiled) before it can be run on your computer. The C/C++ extension doesn't include a C++ compiler or debugger, since VS Code as an editor relies on command-line tools for the development workflow. You need to install these tools or use the tools already installed on your computer.
Check if you have a compiler installed
Note: There may already be a C++ compiler and debugger provided by your academic or work development environment. Check with your instructors or colleagues for guidance on installing the recommended C++ toolset (compiler, debugger, project system, linter).
Common compilers that already come preinstalled on some platforms are the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) on Linux and the Clang tools with Xcode on macOS.
To check if you already have them installed:
Open a new VS Code terminal window using (⌃⇧`)
Use the following command to check for the GCC compiler g++:
g++ --version
Or this command for the Clang compiler clang:
clang --version
The output should show you the compiler version and details. If neither are found, make sure your compiler executable is in your platform path (%PATH on Windows, $PATH on Linux and macOS) so that the C/C++ extension can find it. Otherwise, use the instructions in the section below to install a compiler.