Programmer’s Notepad Features

Programmer’s Notepad allows you to create multiple file types and provides syntax highlighting for a great variety of languages such as C++, PHP, HTML, and so much more. You can also create and manage projects. You can open multiple files in Programmer’s Notepad and they’ll appear as tabs. You can create coding templates, create themes, tags, scripts, and so much more.

Programmer’s Notepad Features
Programmer’s Notepad Screenshots

This is a great alternative to Windows Notepad as it comes bundled with a lot of neat features any programmer would enjoy. I personally use this for light programming projects such as HTML, CSS, and PHP and believe it’s great. It’s doesn’t take a lot of resources so its fast. It’s also free, did I mention that?

Want to start programming in C++? No worries. There is nothing to buy. It also isn’t difficult to get started! Anyone can learn! Talk Binary offers a variety of tutorials to get you started on the right track and right away! We’ll also step through every step of the process so you can get started as soon as possible!

So what do I need to know to get started?

You can either program right away in Windows, or can download and install Ubuntu! It’s all based on preference. I’d recommend you to try both out first before you decide on where to start.


1. If you want a programming environment you can try out Linux Distribution Ubuntu and Install Dual-Boot Ubuntu on your computer so you may boot either Windows or Linux!

a. Then you should check out How to write and compile a C++ program in Linux. This tutorial will step you through the process of compiling a C++ program in Linux using the terminal.

2. If you want to try programming first in your Windows environment you should check out How to write and compile a C++ program in Windows using an IDE.

Where do I learn C++?

Below are some tutorials do get you started. These are not meant to be complete references of each particular topic. These are merely shown in order for you to learn the basic concepts. References and advanced topics will soon be posted.



1.0 Hello World in C++ – Teaches you the introductory program in C++.

1.1 Fundamental Data Types Int and Double – Introduces variables and how to manipulate data.

1.2 Fundamental Data Types String – Introduces the string.

1.3 Basic Control Flow – Introduces the If, If-Else, and Else statement to control the flow of your program instructions.

1.3.1 Basic Control Flow Continued – Introduces boolean variable, and more advanced control flow techniques

1.4 Advanced Control Flow – For Loop – Introduces the for loop. A loop that executes lines of codes until a condition is met.

1.5 Advanced Control Flow – While Loop – Introduces the while loop. Similar to the for loop.



2.0 Simple Data Structure – The Vector – Learn an easy yet powerful to use data structure.

2.1 Functions – Learn how to create a function that enables you to execute a set of instructions with multiple sets of input by simply using a function call. No more rewriting the same code over and over again.

More tutorials are going to be posted soon! Meanwhile, why don’t you subscribe to my RSS feed so you can receive updates on my site?

Using CodeBlocks to program Hello World

1. Open up CodeBlocks and simply click on “Create a new project”.

Useful Resources

C++ Tutorial – Page where our C++ tutorials can be found at.
Hello World – Step by Step telling you what each line of Hello World actually does!

Integrated Development Environment in Windows

An IDE provides you with the tools necessary to start programming right away whether it be on Windows or Linux! I’ll teach you how to get started with CodeBlocks for Windows. You may choose to use a different IDE of your choice.


CodeBlocks
1. Download CodeBlocks with the minGW compiler and install on your PC.


2. Once installed, Create a New Project and click on Console Application

Getting started under Linux

If you want a Linux environment you can go ahead and grab Ubuntu and install it with the following Ubuntu Installation Guide. I’ll post a guide later if people are having trouble. You can also check my Linux Distribution Ubuntu article to get more familiar with this OS.

emacs hello_world.cpp

5. Start writing! To compile, simply type in

g++ hello_world.cpp

6. To run your compiled code simply type in

a.out

Or you could possibly need to type in

./a.out

*Note if you don’t have emacs or g++ installed, you should receive a message such as emacs not installed and will give you a command to install it. Yes, its that easy! It would be something similar to


sudo apt-get install emacs


**Commands to get around in your terminal are

cd FOLDERNAME                                  //Change to folder
cd..                                                  //Go back one folder
cd                                                    //Go back to home directory
mkdir FOLDERNAME                              //Create folder
ls                                                     //Display contents of folder

I’ll write a more detailed tutorial later on for this section.

Installing an IDE in a Linux or Mac OS X

You can simply download Codeblocks or Eclipse for either Linux or Mac OS X as well as Windows. Follow the appropriate installation instructions to get started. Once in the IDE, choose a project, and you usually compile your code with F9. Look for Build and Run.



I’ll write a more detailed tutorial later on for this section as well.

How to compile your code in an IDE, or a terminal in Linux.

In an IDE simply look for a Build and Run option. Usually F9 does the trick. This will compile and run your code! If errors occur, you’ll be displayed with error messages based on your code.



To compile a program in Linux in your terminal, make sure the file is in the folder you are currently in.

g++ program.cpp
a.out
OR
./a.out

If you are having problems feel free to start asking questions!

An IDE is an Integrated Development Environment which purpose is to provide the programmer a graphical interface consisting of a source code editor, compiler, build automation tools, and usually a debugger. Depending on the IDE you are using, you will see a variation of tools that will aid you while you program.


They can also be multi-platform so you may install them on Windows, Linux, or any other OS the IDE supports and yes, they may also be completely free of charge as well! Typically you will encounter IDEs that compile only one language, as well as other IDEs that compile more than one. The advantage? The IDEs focusing on one language may have more tools to support that one language.

Why an IDE?

It’s solely based on preference but I’ve been hearing many people recommending to learn how to use an IDE if you are serious about programming. Plus side of an IDE is you get a source code editor, debugger, build automation tools, and more all in one! In other words, some IDEs allow you to compile all your code with the touch of one button (F9? or clicking on Build and Run?) and allows you to see the result, the syntax, compiler errors, and a debugger all in one environment. If you compile with emacs or vim, you could possibly need to make a Makefile to compile and link your files, run it, and debug it all using different commands. An IDE is made to make your life easier.


Below is a screen shot of the IDE I am using with an image of a breakout clone I worked on for fun.

How do I get started with an IDE?

CodeBlocks
I currently use this platform to program in C++, and in OpenGL and haven’t had any problem with it. Provides me with several templates to start programming console applications, OpenGL applications, Win32 windowed applications, and more. Setting it up was pretty easy as well. Simply download the IDE with the compiler and you should be set.


Eclipse
Eclipse is another popular platform that compiles C, C++, and Java.


So what should I choose? It’s a matter of taste. I’ve tried a couple of them out and have stuck with CodeBlocks. If you encounter another IDE, feel free to post a comment, and I’ll look into it and keep updating this list.