How do I create a console application in Visual Studio Express for Windows 8?

console-application, visual-studio

Solution

There are different versions of Visual Studio 2012 Express.

`Visual Studio Express for Windows 8` is targeted against building software for Windows Store using the new tiled interface. It will not allow you to build console applications.

The version which you should use is called `Visual Studio Express for Windows Desktop`, it covers more traditional Windows development including console applications.

Once you have installed Express for Windows Desktop launch it and create a C++ console application project. You can then select to build your solution from the `Build` menu, and run it from the `Debug` menu.

Problem

In VS Express for Windows 8, I am unable to create a console application. My understanding of C++ is very basic, and I would like to just work with a single C++ file. Upon creation of a C++ file, I am able to edit the program, but not test. Can anyone either explain to me how to build the file, or create a console application project?

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