Are you struggling to figure out where to start C++ development on Linux (Ubuntu)? This post introduces practical setup methods for C++ development in Ubuntu. In particular, it helps you get acquainted with a development environment capable of building, running, and debugging using VSCode.

While many use Visual Studio on Windows, Linux requires alternative setups.
This document summarizes how to establish an environment for C++ development on Ubuntu Linux, setting up debugging and build automation in VSCode.
It's structured step-by-step to make it easy for beginners in C++ to follow along.

1. Install Required Packages

sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential gdb

build-essential includes the following:

• g++ : C++ compiler
• gcc : C compiler
• make : Build automation tool
• dpkg-dev etc.

2. Install VSCode (Snap Version)

sudo snap install code --classic

Alternatively, you can install it directly from https://code.visualstudio.com

3. Install VSCode Extensions

• C/C++ (by Microsoft)
• (Optional) Code Runner: For quick code execution

4. Create Project Directory and Prepare Example File

mkdir ~/cpp_projects/helloworld
cd ~/cpp_projects/helloworld
code .

Create example file main.cpp:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, C++!" << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

5. Configure .vscode/tasks.json (Automatic Build)

{
    "version": "2.0.0",
    "tasks": [
        {
            "label": "build C++ file",
            "type": "shell",
            "command": "g++",
            "args": [
                "-g",
                "main.cpp",
                "-o",
                "main"
            ],
            "group": {
                "kind": "build",
                "isDefault": true
            },
            "problemMatcher": ["$gcc"],
            "detail": "Compile main.cpp to main"
        }
    ]
}

You can build with Ctrl + Shift + B

6. Configure .vscode/launch.json (Debugging)

{
    "version": "0.2.0",
    "configurations": [
        {
            "name": "(gdb) Launch",
            "type": "cppdbg",
            "request": "launch",
            "program": "${workspaceFolder}/main",
            "args": [],
            "stopAtEntry": false,
            "cwd": "${fileDirname}",
            "environment": [],
            "externalConsole": false,
            "MIMode": "gdb",
            "preLaunchTask": "build C++ file",
            "setupCommands": [
                {
                    "description": "Enable pretty-printing for gdb",
                    "text": "-enable-pretty-printing",
                    "ignoreFailures": true
                },
                {
                    "description": "Set Disassembly Flavor to Intel",
                    "text": "-gdb-set disassembly-flavor intel",
                    "ignoreFailures": true
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}

You can start debugging using F5.
It automatically compiles and enters the debugging mode.

7. Summary of Compilation and Execution

8. Additional Tips

• The command g++ -g main.cpp -o main compiles with debugging information included.
• If adding other .cpp files, you need to modify the file names in args.
• If you have multiple files, you can extend the setup with Makefile or CMake.

References

• Official VSCode C++ Documentation
• gdb command tutorial
• cppreference - Language types

Author's Note

This environment can be easily replicated anywhere on Linux-based systems like personal servers, Raspberry Pi, and GCP VMs. If integrated with Python or C++ AI modules, this structure provides a powerful foundation.