Complete Guide to Running C++, Java, and
Python in VS Code (Windows)
Step 1: Install VS Code
1. Download Visual Studio Code.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Open VS Code after installation.
Step 2: Install C++, Java, and Python
Install C++ (Compiler: MinGW-w64 or MSYS2)
1. Download MinGW-w64 from: [Link]
2. Install it and select gcc during installation.
3. Add the bin folder path to Environment Variables:
Go to Control Panel → System → Advanced System Settings → Environment
Variables.
Find Path, click Edit, and add:
C:\mingw-w64\bin
4. Verify installation: Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd → Enter) and run:
g++ --version
Install Java (JDK - Java Development Kit)
1. Download JDK (Java SE Development Kit) from:
[Link]
2. Install it and ensure you check “Add to PATH”.
3. Verify installation: Open Command Prompt and run:
java -version
javac -version
Install Python
1. Download Python from: [Link]
2. During installation, check the box “Add Python to PATH”.
3. Verify installation: Open Command Prompt and run:
python --version
Step 3: Integrate Each Language into VS Code
C++ Integration
1. Open VS Code.
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X).
3. Search for "C/C++" (by Microsoft) and install it.
Java Integration
1. Open VS Code.
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X).
3. Search for "Extension Pack for Java" and install it.
Python Integration
1. Open VS Code.
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X).
3. Search for "Python" (by Microsoft) and install it.
Step 4: Create and Save Code Files in VS Code
For C++
1. Open VS Code.
2. Click File → New File.
3. Type your C++ code and save it as [Link] in a folder.
Example:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Hello, C++!";
return 0;
}
For Java
1. Open VS Code.
2. Click File → New File.
3. Save it as [Link].
Example:
java
CopyEdit
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
[Link]("Hello, Java!");
}
}
For Python
1. Open VS Code.
2. Click File → New File.
3. Save it as [Link].
Example:
print("Hello, Python!")
Step 5: Install Code Runner (Run Code Without Terminal
Commands)
1. Open VS Code.
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X).
3. Search for "Code Runner" (by Jun Han) and install it.
4. Restart VS Code after installation.
. Using the "Code Runner" Extension (Easiest Method)
Steps to Install & Use Code Runner:
1. Open VS Code and go to Extensions (Ctrl + Shift + X).
2. Search for "Code Runner" and install it.
3. Open your code file (.cpp, .java, .py).
4. Click the Run (▶) button at the top-right corner or press:
o Ctrl + Alt + N → Runs the code automatically.
Works for C++, Java, and Python (compiles & runs automatically).
For C++ (Run Without Terminal Commands)
Open [Link].
Click the Run (▶) button at the top-right.
Or press: Ctrl + Alt + N (Code Runner shortcut).
For Java (Run Without Terminal Commands)
Open [Link].
Click the Run (▶) button at the top-right.
Or press: Ctrl + Alt + N.
For Python (Run Without Terminal Commands)
Open [Link].
Click Run (▶) button.
Or press: Ctrl + Alt + N.
Step 7: Verify Everything Works
Test each language:
1. C++: Run [Link] and check for "Hello, C++!".
2. Java: Run [Link] and check for "Hello, Java!".
3. Python: Run [Link] and check for "Hello, Python!".
If all work correctly, your setup is complete!
Quick Summary (For Reference)
Step Task Action
1 Install VS Code Download from VS Code
2 Install C++ Install MinGW-w64, add to PATH, verify g++ --version
3 Install Java Install JDK, add to PATH, verify java -version
4 Install Python Install Python, add to PATH, verify python --version
5 Add Extensions Install C/C++, Java Pack, and Python extensions
6 Create Code Files Write and save .cpp, .java, and .py files
7 Install Code Runner Install Code Runner extension
8 Run Code Press Ctrl + Alt + N or click Run (▶) button