How to Start Coding in C++ in 2025 – From Zero to “Hello World” and Beyond (Step-by-Step)

How to Start Coding in C++ in 2025 – From Zero to “Hello World” and Beyond (Step-by-Step)

Published: December 4, 2025 • Perfect for complete beginners

No fluff, no outdated tools. Here’s the fastest, cleanest way to install C++, write your first program, and choose the best free IDE/compiler in 2025.

Option 1 – The Absolute Fastest Way (Recommended for 99% of beginners)

Use Visual Studio Code + MSYS2 compiler (Windows) or built-in clang/g++ (Mac/Linux).

Windows (5 minutes)

1. Download Visual Studio Code: code.visualstudio.com
2. Install it → open it.
3. Go to msys2.org → download and run the installer.
4. Open MSYS2 terminal → type: pacman -Syu → Enter → close and reopen → then: pacman -S mingw-w64-x86_64-gcc
5. Add C++ to PATH automatically (installer does it).
6. In VS Code → install extensions: “C/C++” by Microsoft + “Code Runner”
7. Done! You now have a full C++ compiler + modern editor.

Mac (2 minutes)

1. Install Visual Studio Code
2. Open Terminal → paste: xcode-select --install (installs clang++ automatically)
3. Install VS Code extensions: C/C++ + Code Runner

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian – 1 minute)

Your First C++ Program (Works everywhere)

1. In VS Code → New File → save as hello.cpp
2. Paste this code:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello, World! I am coding in C++ in 2025!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

3. Press Ctrl+Alt+N (Code Runner) or right-click → “Run Code”
4. You’ll see the output instantly in the terminal panel.

Option 2 – Full Professional IDE (If you want buttons)

Download Visual Studio Community 2022/2025 (Windows) or CLion (all platforms, free for students).

• Visual Studio Community → completely free, includes everything, just click “C/C++ development” during install.
• CLion → best cross-platform IDE in 2025, use your student email for free license.

Option 3 – Online (Zero Installation – Great for school Chromebooks)

• godbolt.org – Compiler Explorer (instant, shows assembly too)
• replit.com → New Repl → C++ → start coding instantly
• wandbox.org

Bonus: Must-Have VS Code Extensions in 2025

• C/C++ (Microsoft) – IntelliSense, debugging
• Code Runner – run with one click
• CMake Tools – for bigger projects later
• Better Comments – color your comments
• GitLens – if you use GitHub

Next Steps After “Hello World”

1. Variables & data types
2. if/else, loops
3. Functions
4. Classes & OOP

Best free resources in 2025:

• “C++ Tutorial for Beginners” – freeCodeCamp (YouTube, 4 hours)
• learncpp.com – still the gold standard
• C++ on exercism.org – interactive practice

You are now officially a C++ developer. Welcome!

Which method did you use? Drop it in the comments — let’s help the next beginner!