Managing C++ Projects/Programs

Create a New Project for Each Program

Although it might seem tricky or complicated at first, it is actually a good idea to make a new project for each program. Just follow the instructions you have already learned and make sure you give each new project a meaningful name. Take time to memorize the steps.

These instructions are primarily for Visual Studio. Look for XCode, Code::Blocks and repl.it specifics at the end of each section.

If you use the menu or New Project button to start a new project, your old project might close. Read on for a way to avoid this.

Loading Old Projects

You might be able to find your old projects in a "Recent Projects" list, but if you don't see it there, you can browse to it with File Explorer.

To open an old project from File Explorer, make sure you chose one of the the VC++ Project (.vcxproj) or Microsoft Visual Studio Solution (.sln) type files.

If you just open a C++ file directly, you can end up very frustrated, so only do it if you know that's what you want!!

• XCode: resume old projects by opening the .xcodeproj file in the project folder.
  
  
• Code::Blocks: resume old projects by opening the .cbp file in the project folder.
  
  
• repl.it: you'll find old projects in on the right under My repls. If you don't see it, make sure you are logged in and press the ≡ menu button in the upper left corner.
  
  

Loading or Creating Other Projects When A Project is Already Open

If you already have Visual Studio open and you want to work on another C++ program at the same time, try this trick:

• Right click on the Visual Studio icon in the taskbar
• You'll see a menu like this:

• To create a new Project: click "Visual Studio 2015"
• To load a recent Project: click its name in the top part of the menu
  
• To start older Projects: find it with your file broser and use the .sln file.

When you do this, you will get a new Visual Studio window to work in, and it becomes really easy to switch between programs! Try doing this when you have lots of exercises to do for lab!

• XCode: XCode always uses a new window for each project you create or open.
  
  
• Code::Blocks: Code::Blocks maintains a Workspace to manage your projects. If you create a new project with the file menu, it will be added to your workspace. To switch between projects, right click and activate the one you want to edit or run. The name of the currently active project is shown in bold letters.
  
  
• repl.it: You can open multiple projects in separate browser tabs.
  
  

Locating the C++ File in a Project

Visual Studio Projects can get pretty big and might be hard to email or put on a cloud drive. All you really need is the .cpp (C++) file from your project. You'll find it in your project folder, and it looks like this:

This is the most important part of your project to hand in to your teacher in URCourses. Do not rename it with your file browser - the IDE will lose track of it. Always rename project files with the IDE.

Windows 10 Tip: If you don't see the .cpp part of the file (the extension), click View then "File name extensions". You might also want to click Details.

• XCode: your .cpp file will be in a subfolder next to the .xcodeproj file.
  
  
• Code::Blocks: your .cpp file will be in the project folder next to the .cbp project file.
  
  
• repl.it: Click the vertical dots at the top right of the Files area and select "Download as zip" to get all your project files.
  
  

General Tip: avoid using .cpp in your project name. It can cause confusion for you and your IDE.

Adding an Existing C++ File to a New Project

Maybe your teacher has given you a C++ file in URCourses to help you start an assignment, or your lab instructor has given you one to download from the lab notes. Regardless of how you get it, if you ever need to add a C++ file to a new project, here is what to do:

• move the .cpp file into your project folder
• in Visual C++, right click on "Source Files" then choose "Add" then "Existing Item..."

• find your file. It should have a .cpp at the end, but if you can't see that part make sure you choose the the file with the "C++ Source" type

• click "Add"

If you do it right, your file should appear in your project's "Source Files" folder. If it isn't there, Visual Studio will not build or run your program properly. If you just open a C++ file directly, you can end up very frustrated, so only do it if you know that's what you want!!

• XCode: Drag and drop new files in to the yellow folder inside your project that has the same name as your project. Check the "Copy items if needed" option to be sure new code files are placed in the project folder. Be sure right-click and delete old .cpp files you don't need.
  
  
• Code::Blocks: Put the file in the project folder, then right click on the open project in Code::Blocks and select "Add files..."
  
  
• repl.it: Delete the code from the default main.cpp in repl.it, then click the vertical dots at the top right of the Files area and select the "Upload file" option.