Introduction

This tutorial illustrates the steps for creating a new C++ project in Visual Studio. The process is consistent in Visual Studio 2003, Visual Studio 2005, and Visual Studio 2008. The screens vary somewhat, but this tutorial generally applies to all three versions of Visual Studio. Entry level versions of Visual Studio software can be downloaded at no charge from Microsoft.com; look for the Express editions.

Open Visual Studio and Click File / New / Project.

Select Project Type C++
Select Template Empty Project
Type in a descriptive name for the project
Click OK

Open the Solution Explorer (On The Main Menu: View / Solution Explorer)
Alternate-click (right-click) on The Source Files folder
Select Add / New Item

Under Category, select Code
Under Template, select C++ File

Type in a descriptive name for the file. Use main.cpp if the file will contain the main function. Otherwise, use a name that describes the contents of the file. C++ source code files should end in .cpp and header files should end in .h

Click Add

Create your documentation header (Flower Box).

Create a source code file for the function (or class) and a header file for the function (or class). Your Solution Explorer should look like this.

To run  your project, click Debug / Start Without Debugging. Visual Studio will compile, link, and execute for you.