There are several essential steps to build C/C++ desktop applications on your Windows operating system (OS). With COVID-19, more people are staying home and using their computers for remote work. Thus, the demand for desktop applications is on the rise.
Many top desktop applications are coded in C/C++ programming languages. Therefore, as a developer getting started, you need to know the most important steps to build desktop apps in C/C++ on your Windows machine. Read on to learn how to build C/C++ desktop applications on your Windows OS.
Install Windows IDE
To build desktop apps, you first need to install a Windows IDE. An IDE, or integrated development environment, contains powerful build tools to streamline the application development process. Typically, these include editors, resource managers, debuggers, and compilers.
Notably, some Windows IDEs only contain the command-line toolset, compilers, tools, and libraries you need to build C/C++ programs. Therefore, it installs relatively quickly and is perfect for your programs. To install your IDE, select the C/C++ tools workload. Then, select install. It is imperative to install a Windows IDE to access tools that streamlines the rest of the development process.
Write & Compile Source Code
Next, write and compile your source code for your desktop application. Typically, Windows IDEs organize your programs into projects. When creating a new project, you need to add a source file.
Then, you can typically edit your source file by writing code directly in your code editor. Once you’re ready to compile your source file, you can select the command to build your program. During this step, you should ideally have your Output pane open. This displays your program’s compilation status. When building your desktop applications on your Windows system, it is essential to write and compile your source code properly.
Run Tests In CI Service
Once you’ve written and compiled your code, you can run your application tests in a continuous integration (CI) service for maximum efficiency. For instance, you can use AppVeyor to automatically build and test your project in a Windows environment. Indeed, this cloud service is ideal for testing Conan binary packages for a given package recipe.
It obtains the Conan tool and execute the installation command. Then, it creates the build folder, compiles the project, and runs the test locally. To begin developing custom programs, you should run tests in a CI service to maximize efficiency as you build your desktop applications in Windows.
Debug Your Program
After you’ve run tests in your CI service, you must debug your program. Program debugging is an essential to make software development more efficient. Of course, this is especially important if your tests identified functionality issues. Ideally, your Windows IDE contains a source-level debugger to troubleshoot your application. Breakpoints are one of the most fundamental and essential features for reliable debugging.
You can set breakpoints to indicate where your IDE should suspend running your code. Naturally, this allows you to monitor variables, memory behavior, and whether or not certain code branches are running. It is essential to debug your program to ensure it functions at optimal quality.
Deploy Application
Furthermore, you need to deploy your application after you have debugged your program. At this stage, the goal is for users to start successfully using the product. Many software developers choose to move their project through different deployment environments, such as staging.
This way, key stakeholders can safely play with the application before releasing it to the market. Plus, they can catch and report any missed errors or mistakes before releasing the product. Once deployment stakeholders approve the application, you can submit your application to your Windows desktop app store for review.
There are several essential steps to build C/C++ desktop applications on your Windows OS. With demand for powerful Windows applications consistently growing, there has never been a better time to begin learning how to program. Fortunately, there are several steps to get you started building custom programs. To increase your efficiency, there are even several tools to help you build complex software.
First, you need to install a Windows IDE to access necessary tools to streamline development. Next, write and compile your source code using your code editor. Then, you can run tests in a CI service to maximize efficiency through automation.
In addition, you need to debug your program if the test identifies any functionality issues. Furthermore, deploy your application once it is ready to be released to the market. Follow these fundamental steps to build C/C++ desktop applications on your Windows OS.
