How to Set Up VS Code for DSA and CP (C++ Users)

Setting up your environment efficiently is crucial for fast problem-solving in Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA) and Competitive Programming (CP). Here's a concise, step-by-step guide to get you started with Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for C++ programming.

1. Set Up Your Workspace

If you're aiming to set up a configuration similar to the one below, these instructions will guide you through configuring it on your workstation.

Organization is key for efficient competitive programming. Create a dedicated workspace that allows for quick problem-solving.

Create a dedicated folder for your DSA/CP files. Inside your folder, create:

• A .cpp file (your C++ code)
• An input.txt file (for custom inputs)
• An output.txt file (to capture outputs)

This structure allows you to quickly test your solutions with custom inputs and see outputs without cluttering your terminal.

2. Install Extensions

Extensions enhance VS Code's functionality for C++ development.

• Open VS Code
• Go to the Extensions tab (Ctrl+Shift+X)
• Install the "C/C++ and C/C++ Extension Pack" by Microsoft

This extension pack provides:

• Syntax highlighting for better code readability
• IntelliSense for auto-completion
• Debugging capabilities
• Code formatting tools

3. Organize Your Editor Layout

A well-organized layout helps you see your code, input, and output simultaneously.

• Open your .cpp, input.txt, and output.txt files side by side

• To do this:

- Go to View → Editor Layout → Split Left for your .cpp file

- Select input.txt, then repeat the split to arrange all three files as needed

This layout allows you to:

• Write code in the main panel
• Provide test inputs in the right panel (up)
• View outputs in the right panel (down)

4. Configure Build and Run Tasks

This is the most crucial step that automates compilation and execution with input/output redirection.

For Mac Users

• Go to Terminal → Configure Tasks → Create tasks.json file from template → Others

• Replace the content of tasks.json with:

For Only Mac Users:

{
    "version": "2.0.0",
    "tasks": [
        {
            "label": "compile",
            "type": "shell",
            "command": "g++",
            "args": [
                "-std=c++17",
                "-o",
                "${fileBasenameNoExtension}",
                "${file}"
            ],
            "group": {
                "kind": "build",
                "isDefault": false
            }
        },
        {
            "label": "compile and run",
            "type": "shell",
            "command": "g++ -std=c++17 -o ${fileBasenameNoExtension} ${file} && ./${fileBasenameNoExtension} < input.txt > output.txt",
            "group": {
                "kind": "build",
                "isDefault": true
            }
        }
    ]
}

For Windows Users

• Go to Terminal → Configure Tasks → Create tasks.json file from template → Others

• Replace the content of tasks.json with:

For Only Windows Users

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "Compile and run",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "",
      "args": [
        "copy",
        "\"${file}\"",
        "${workspaceFolder}\\jspwTest.cpp",
        "&&",
        "g++",
        "jspwTest.cpp",
        "-o",
        "jspwTest",
        "&&",
        "jspwTest",
        "<",
        "input.txt",
        ">",
        "output.txt",
        "&&",
        "del",
        "jspwTest.exe",
        "&&",
        "del",
        "jspwTest.cpp"
      ],
      "presentation": {
        "reveal": "never"
      },
      "group": {
        "kind": "build",
        "isDefault": true,
      },
      "problemMatcher": {
        "owner": "cpp",
        "fileLocation": [
          "relative",
          "${workspaceRoot}"
        ],
        "pattern": {
          "regexp": "^(.*):(\\d+):(\\d+):\\s+(warning|error):\\s+(.*)$",
          "file": 1,
          "line": 2,
          "column": 3,
          "severity": 4,
          "message": 5
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Important: The default terminal must be cmd, not PowerShell.

Change it via Ctrl+Shift+P → type "default terminal" → select "Command Prompt".

5. Run Your Code

Now you're ready to start competitive programming efficiently!

Workflow:

• Write your C++ code in the .cpp file
• Provide input in input.txt
• Press:

- Cmd+Shift+B (Mac)

- Ctrl+Shift+B (Windows)

• The output will be automatically saved in output.txt

Example workflow:

1. Code in main.cpp:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int a, b;
    cin >> a >> b;
    cout << a + b << endl;
    return 0;
}

1. Input in input.txt:

5 3

1. Output in output.txt:

8

6. Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

• Compilation errors: Double-check your terminal is set to cmd (on Windows)
• Path issues: Ensure MinGW is properly added to your system PATH
• Permission errors: Run VS Code as administrator if needed
• Extension issues: Restart VS Code after installing extensions

For additional help:

• Consult online resources
• Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude for quick fixes
• Check the VS Code documentation for C++ development

Advanced Tips for Competitive Programming

Ready-made Code Snippets with BoilerKit Extension

For faster coding with pre-built templates and snippets, install the BoilerKit extension:

Steps:

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
3. Search for BoilerKit
4. Click "Install"

This extension provides:

• Supports 30+ languages and frameworks
• Supports popular languages: C++, Python, JavaScript, HTML, Rust, Go, and more
• Consistent snippet naming: cpboiler, cppboiler, pyboiler, jsboiler, etc.
• Type less, code more with quick snippets
• Works out of the box – no config needed
• Ready-to-use competitive programming boilerplates

• Open a new file like main.cpp
• Type: cpboiler
• Hit Enter to insert code

Conclusion

With this setup, you can quickly write, test, and debug C++ programs for DSA and CP, all within VS Code. The automated input/output redirection saves valuable time during contests, and the organized layout keeps everything you need visible at once.

Key benefits of this setup:

• Speed: One-key compilation and execution
• Efficiency: Automatic input/output handling
• Organization: Clear separation of code, input, and output
• Professional: Industry-standard tools and practices

Happy coding, and may your solutions be bug-free and your execution times optimal!

• If you are using some other OS, you can use ChatGPT to get the equivalent command.
• Post writing a program in cpp press (cmd+shift+B) for Mac and (ctrl+shift+B) for Windows to run the code and get your the desired output. In case you are facing some issue, I recommend you to use Bard or ChatGPT to get your errors resolved.