C Programming in Visual Studio Code

Creating a New C File

• Click on the New File button or go to File > New File.
• Name the file main.c and press Enter.
• Visual Studio Code will suggest installing C/C++ extensions if not already installed.

Installing C/C++ Extensions

• Go to the Extensions tab.
• Search for C/C++.
• The top extension from Microsoft is recommended.
• Click Install if it's not already installed.
• This extension enables:
  • Running and debugging C/C++ programs.
  • Browsing code.
  • IntelliSense capabilities.
• Reload Visual Studio Code if prompted.

Writing a Simple C Program

• Navigate to Explorer and open main.c.
• Write a simple program to add two numbers and display the result.

Running the C Program

• Using Terminal: Open a new terminal and run using GCC.
• Using Build Task:
  • Click on Terminal > Run Build Task.
  • Select gcc.exe as the build task.
  • A successful build will create main.exe.

Running Executable Files

• Execute compiled programs using command line:
  • In PowerShell: Type main.exe and press Enter.
  • Input the first and second numbers when prompted.
• Alternatively, run in Command Prompt: main.exe.

Debugging the C Program

Setting Breakpoints

• Click on a line number to toggle breakpoints in the code.
• View breakpoints in the debug panel.

Running Debugger

• Click on Run and Debug.
• Choose C++ GDB as your debugger (requires MinGW).
• Execution will pause at breakpoints.
• View variable values and step through the code:
  • Step Over: Execute the next line.
  • Continue: Run until the next breakpoint.

Example Debugging Steps

• Start with uninitialized variables (showing garbage values).
• Input numbers when prompted during debugging.
• Monitor the sum calculation and output.

Conclusion

• Visual Studio Code provides a robust environment to write, run, and debug C programs.