{"id":96634,"date":"2018-01-19T03:37:32","date_gmt":"2018-01-19T02:37:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=96634"},"modified":"2025-07-01T23:41:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T06:41:12","slug":"get-started-with-codeblocks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/get-started-with-codeblocks\/","title":{"rendered":"Code::Blocks Tutorial: What it is and How to Use it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Code::Blocks<\/a> is an open-source IDE (Integrated Development Environment). It helps you to work on software and programs you are developing, including coding, debugging, testing, and much more. It supports many compilers, such as GNU GCC (MinGW and Cygwin) and MS Visual C++. It is also free to download. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is your first time with this development tool, you’re in the right place! We’ll reveal what is Code::Blocks<\/strong> and how to use it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Code::Blocks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, Code::Blocks is a free cross-platform integrated development environment<\/strong> for C\/C++ and Fortran. Code::Blocks is built around a plugin framework, which means you can extend its core functionality with various plugins. Essentially, Code::Blocks is perfect for building onto because with easy integration with user-made plugins; you don’t need to edit any of the source code to add the functionality you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the software is open-source<\/strong>, so if you need to edit the code, you can. While Code::Block inherently supports the functionality of multiple compilers and debuggers, it isn\u2019t in itself any of these systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can think of <\/a>Code::Blocks as a house. The house itself is an empty shell, but it has rooms that certain functions and systems can use. Not all Code::Blocks installation files contain compilers. Instead, Code::Blocks can use the functionality of whatever compilers you have installed, whether that\u2019s GCC, Clang or Visual C++, or any other compiler that tickles your fancy. While you let the house metaphor simmer, let\u2019s take a look at some of the features Code::Blocks is known for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Code<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Code Editor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This integrated development environment (IDE) features code folding and syntax highlighting<\/strong>, driven by a Scintilla editing component. It also features a class browser, hex editor, C++ code completion, among various other utilities. The code editor organizes any files you have open into easily accessible tabs and supports personalized syntax highlighting colors, font, and font size selection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compilers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Code::Blocks features support for multiple compilers<\/strong>. Among the most widely used supported compilers are GCC, Digital Mars, LLVM Clang, MinGW, Microsoft Visual C++, Watcom, LCC, Borland C++, and the Intel C++ compiler. Code::Blocks was written in C++ but features decent support for other coding languages such as Fortran and D. The installation file also includes a plugin with support for further programming languages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Debugger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Debugger shipped with the Code::Blocks installation file has full breakpoint support. A Breakpoint refers to an intentional pause or stopping point written into a program. Breakpoints are put in place for debugging purposes to gather more information about a program during its execution and are sometimes simply called pauses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Code::Blocks streamlines the debugging process<\/a><\/strong> by giving you access to the argument display, call stack, thread switching, custom memory dump, CPU registers, local function symbol, disassembly, and GNU Debugger Interface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy User Migration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Code::Blocks is an increasingly popular integrated development environment. It, therefore, has features specifically designed for users migrating<\/strong> from other IDE\u2019s. Including Dev-C++, Microsoft Visual C++ project import for MSVC 7 and 10, and Dev-C++ Devpak support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Code::Blocks Tutorial: How to Use it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With any software, before you learn to use it, you need to install it. While most installs are as simple as clicking a download button, accepting a bunch of conditions, and voila, Code::Blocks might require a little thought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To condense a long process, if you have a compiler already set up on your system, you simply click the download button, and you\u2019re home free. This version doesn\u2019t come with a built-in compiler, so you\u2019ll just choose the compiler you have installed when it asks you to during use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have a compiler pre-installed, you\u2019ll need a different installation file. To access this, click the link underneath the Code::Blocks download button, and you\u2019ll get to the official website. Now click \u2018Download the binary release,\u2019 which is the easiest way to get the utility installed, now onto the bit that requires thought or at least some reading. You\u2019ll see a list of download links if you scroll down to \u2018Microsoft Windows.\u2019 The one you want that includes a compiler is called \u2018codeblocks-20.03mingw-setup.exe\u2019. Here you can choose to either download from FossHUB or Sourceforge.net.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minds behind Code::Blocks think of everything. On the list of downloads is an executable file (.exe) for people who don’t have administrative rights on their PCs, and another exe that includes all the Code::Blocks plugins. They really try to make things as easy as possible, not just within their IDE but also with installation. Here\u2019s an easy guide for troubleshooting Code::Blocks<\/a> if it misbehaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing Code::Blocks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To get started, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Download the Code::Blocks installer<\/a> as mentioned above.<\/li>
  2. Run the installer. It’s a standard installer for Windows; just press Next after reading each screen. If using another operating system, choose the appropriate option on the downloads page referenced above.<\/li>
  3. If you’re planning on installing a compiler after you’ve installed Code::Blocks, read the information provided in the installer. Also, see this link for help setting up your compiler<\/a>.<\/li>
  4. If you downloaded the installer that doesn’t come with MinGW, you may have to configure the compiler manually (usually Code::Blocks auto-detects the compiler).<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Starting your first project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1. Launch the Project Wizard<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Select File->New->Project…<\/strong> to start a new project. You can select from many types of templates to help get your project started. For your first project, select Console application<\/strong>, as this is the most common for general purposes. Click Go<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Step 2. Select the destination for your project.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Choose your programming language, (for example C++) when prompted for a language. Then, on the next screen, give the project a title and select a destination folder. Code::Blocks will generate the remaining entries from these two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Step 3. Choose your compiler.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    This is often the default compiler that you use on your machine. The default builds will be debug & release. If another option is needed, select it here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"Step 4. Finish<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    After selecting Finish<\/strong>, you’re on your way to your first project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Use Code::Blocks for C++<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Once you\u2019ve installed Code::Blocks on your PC, all that\u2019s left to do is run it. As soon as you start Code::Blocks up<\/a>, you\u2019ll see a list of compilers. The utility will detect which one you have and automatically select it. It will ask you if you want to make the compiler the default viewer for C++ files, which you should. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Next, click on File> New >Project, and you\u2019ll see a new window<\/strong>. Select \u2018Console application\u2019 and click \u2018go.\u2019 You\u2019ll need to click \u2018Next\u2019 in succession until the language selection dialog box opens. Choose the programming language you use, and then you\u2019ll be prompted to choose a place to save your project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rather place the project in its own folder because it is likely to create several files. Give your project a name and click \u2018Next.\u2019 Now, you will set up your compiler. You don\u2019t need to change any settings you see here, so just click \u2018finish\u2019 and open the main.cpp file on the left of the screen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    By now, you should have your main.cpp file, which you can modify if you wish. Currently, it just says \u2018Hello World!\u2019, run it as is. Hit F9, which compiles and then runs the program. You now have a working sample program<\/a>. The main.cpp code can simply be edited and then compiled and run again using F9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Use Code::Blocks in Google Docs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Code::Blocks is available as a plugin<\/strong> for Google Docs. Simply go to the Google Workspace Marketplace, type in Code::Blocks and click install. Read through and accept all the permissions if they\u2019re agreeable. Otherwise, you won\u2019t be able to use its full functionality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once you\u2019ve completed the install<\/strong>, Code::Blocks is easy to use. Your first step is to create a new document in Google Docs. Next, head to \u2018Add-ons\u2019 and choose Code::Blocks from the drop-down menu. Code::Blocks will open up a new panel on the right side; from here, you\u2019ll have access to all the utility\u2019s functionalities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Next, you need to write or paste code into the body of the document<\/strong>. Once you have your code in place, select it, and you\u2019ll be able to choose a language from the language drop-down menu or a theme from the theme drop-down menu. Click preview to view your code, and as soon as your code looks exactly how you want it, click Format. Your code should now be formatted perfectly, and you can move on to the next piece of code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Code to your heart’s content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you know how Code::Blocks works, you can get started on your first project. It may seem complicated, but you should get the hang of it soon. Feel free to show us anything you’re currently working on!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Code::Blocks is an open-source IDE (Integrated Development Environment). It helps you to work on software and programs you are developing, including coding, debugging, testing, and much more. It supports many compilers, such as GNU GCC (MinGW and Cygwin) and MS Visual C++. It is also free to download. If this is your first time with this … Continue reading “Code::Blocks Tutorial: What it is and How to Use it”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9221,"featured_media":96640,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":2},"categories":[2518,2441],"tags":[3184],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-96634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-how-to","tag-app-subdomain-redirectioncode-blocks"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9221"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96634"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":328340,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96634\/revisions\/328340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96634"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=96634"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=96634"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=96634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}