How to Run C/c++ Program in Netbeans on Windows

This updated guide examines How to Run C/c++ Program in Netbeans on Windows and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Part 1

Downloading the Components

1. Open each of the following links in separate tabs.
   • Netbeans
   • Compiler and Debugger
2. Download Netbeans
   • Select the Graphic on the right
   • Accept the user agreement, and then select the correct software from the list. Choose either the file ending in i586 for a 32-bit system or the file ending in x64 for a 64-bit system. Save to your Desktop.
3. Download Compiler and Debugger
   • Select the Correct File for your System and Save it to your desktop

Part 2

Installing Cygwin Compiler and Debugger

1. Create a Folder on the Desktop and name it Cygwin
2. Open the Cygwin Installer
   • Click the "Next" button on the window that comes up
3. Click Install from Internet, Click Next, then Click Next on the Second window
   • Make sure on the Third Window that the path is setup to the desktop folder
4. Select a Download Site and click Next
   • Really does not matter what site is chosen, however download speed may be affected
5. Install Compiler and Debugger
   • On the Window that pops-up select the '+' next to Devel
   • Find the files called gcc-core, gcc-g++, gdb: GNU Debugger, and 'make', and click the 'Skip' button to the left ONCE.
   • Click Next
   • It will install the parts and then ask if you want shortcuts, you do not need these
6. Create the Cygwin Path
   • Open your control panel and select "System and Security", then select "System"
   • Click Advanced System Settings
   • Near the bottom of the new window there will be a button called "Environmental Variables", select it
   • In the window that pops up scroll down to Path, select it and click Edit
   • At the end of the highlighted text (DON'T DELETE IT) add, with no spaces at all, ";cygwin-directorybin"

Part 3

Installing Netbeans

1. Open the Netbeans Installer
   • Allow program to run, if asked for permission, and wait for installer to configure
2. When the installer Opens
   • Click Next
   • Agree to the user agreement and select Next
   • Allow the installer to save and install the files on the next two windows to the default locations
   • Click Install
   • You can choose whether to send usage data or not

Part 4

Running the Program

1. Open Netbeans
2. Click the "My Netbeans" tab
3. Click Install Plugins
   • In the search bar type C/C++
   • Select the result that has the same name and click it
   • Click Install
4. Click Next in the new window
   • Accept the User Agreement and Click Install
5. Exit the Plugin Window
6. Click File in the top left corner
7. Click New Project
8. Select C/C++ in the new window
   • Select C++ Application on the right side
   • Select Next
9. Name the Project whatever you'd like, and make sure that the tool collection field has Cygwin in it
   • Click Finish
10. Double-Click the Project on the left-side of the screen
    • Click the '+' next to Source Files
11. Double-Click main.cpp
12. Insert the phrase (No quotes) "#include " underneath the other include phrase
13. Insert any code inside the curly brackets of the main function
    • For example insert (no quotes) "cout<< "Hello World" << endl;"
14. Click the hammer icon at the top to build the solution
    • If done correctly at the bottom in green, a message will appear that reads "Build Successful"
15. Run the code by clicking the play button
    • At the bottom your output should be there, followed by a message that reads "Run Successful" with total runtime of your program

Part 5

Troubleshooting

1. 
   • Be sure to install the Cygwin compiler and debugger first. It allows the IDE to auto-find it in your system
   • If Cygwin does not appear in the tool collection field, be sure that its path is added to the Environment Variables
   • If the project does not build or run correctly, be sure to look carefully at the final screenshot and make sure that all parts in the text editor look the same