Home Software Installation Instructions

• For Windows users, it is sufficient to install Microsoft Visual Studio (MSVS) Community Edition with C++. We recommend v. 2019 (tested with release 16.1.5), during installation select "Desktop with C++ development workload" and "CLI" component. Also install TortoiseSVN to be able to check in your projects into the department's repository.

• Mac
  • M1 new macs need to install Xcode. Here are the instructions for Xcode and subversion installation
    Here are instructions as to how to use subversion with macOS.
  • Pre-M1 Older macs may install Xcode or a virtual machine with Windows as described below. users can set up a windows virtual machine. You can then install MSVS Community with C++, and TortoiseSVN in it. As a Kent-State student you can get a free copy of VMware Fusion for MacOS virtualization software as well as a copy of Windows through E-Academy. Follow this link, then click on "VM Ware" tab and select "VMware Fusion (for MacOS)". Then, follow the same link and download a copy of windows to set up in the virtual machine.

• Linux users can also set up a virtual machine. The recommended Linux virtualization software is VMWare Workstation Player. Once set up, you can install the Windows (need to apply for Imagien to get a copy), MSVS Community with C++ and TortoiseSVN in the virtual machine as in Mac.

1. Getting rid of precompiled headers. If your source file contains #include , your project was configured to use precompiled header. Precompiled headers will not let you properly run or debug your console-based application. When creating a project, in the Project Creation Wizard, make sure to uncheck "Precompiled Headers" and check "Empty Project".

   To disable precompiled headers in an existing project to Project->Properties->Configuration Properties -> C/C++ -> Precompiled Headers and select "Not Using Precompiled Headers" option.

2. Disabling diagnostics. By default, Visual Studio 2017 or higher comes with Debugging and Performance diagnostics enabled which clutters debugging window. To disable it, go to Tools --> Options --> Debugging --> General and uncheck "Enable Diagnostics Tools" and "Show elapsed time PerfTip while debugging".

3. Disabling fancy scrollbar (VS 2019). Scrollbar shows outline of the program. It takes up space and distracts. To disable it, go to Tools --> Options --> Text Editor --> All Languages --> Scroll Bars. Check "Use bar mode for vertical scrollbar".

4. Disabling line numbers in the editor. Select: Tools --> Options --> Text Editor --> All Languages --> General. Uncheck "Line numbers"

5. Making sure the console window does not close after execution. Select: Project --> Properties --> Configuration Properties --> Linker --> System then select Console (/SUBSYSTEM:CONSOLE).