How to Install C++ on Ubuntu: Complete Beginner's Guide

Last update: 17th October 2025
Author TecnoDigital
How to install C++ on Ubuntu

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to install C++ on Ubuntu! If you are an enthusiastic beginner in the world of programming, or if you are already experienced but want to start working with C++ on the Ubuntu operating system, you are in the right place. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step overview of how you can install the C++ development environment on your Ubuntu system. From basic setup to best practices, we will cover everything you need to know to start programming in C++ on Ubuntu. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Introduction to C++

Before we dive into the installation details, it is important to have a basic understanding of what C++ is and why it is such a popular programming language. C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is widely used in software development. It is a powerful and flexible language that allows programmers to write efficient and high-performance code.

C++ is particularly suited for applications that require low-level control, such as operating systems, device drivers, and games. In addition, C++ is an object-oriented language, which means that it can be used to develop programs using object-oriented programming concepts such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

Previous requirements

Before we get started with installing C++ on Ubuntu, let's make sure you have all the prerequisites covered. Here's what you'll need:

  1. Ubuntu: Make sure you have an Ubuntu installation on your system. If you don't have Ubuntu yet, you can download and install it for free from the official Ubuntu website.
  2. Internet Access: To download the necessary packages and C++ related documentation, you will need to have stable Internet access.
  3. Administrator privileges: In order to install packages and make changes to the system, you will need to have administrator privileges on your Ubuntu system. If you are using a standard user account, make sure you have access to the user with administrator privileges or consult your system administrator for help.

Now that you have the prerequisites in place, you are ready to get started with installing C++ on Ubuntu. Read on for step-by-step instructions.

Steps to install C++ on Ubuntu

In this section, we'll walk you through the steps to install C++ on Ubuntu. We'll cover both installing the C++ compiler and setting up the integrated development environment (IDE) for programming in C++. Follow the steps below to get started.

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1. Update your Ubuntu system

Before installing any new software, it is a good practice to update your Ubuntu system to the latest version available. This will ensure that you have the latest security fixes and improvements to the operating system. To update your system, follow these steps:

  1. Open the terminal in Ubuntu. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for “Terminal” in the applications menu.
  2. In the terminal, run the following command to update the system repositories:
sudo apt update
  1. Once the repositories have been updated, run the following command to update all packages installed on your system:
sudo apt upgrade
  1. During the upgrade process, you will be prompted to enter the password for your user with administrator privileges. Enter it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

With your Ubuntu system updated, you are ready to install C++ and set up your development environment.

2. Install the C++ compiler

The first step to start programming in C++ on Ubuntu is to install the C++ compiler. The compiler is the tool used to convert C++ source code into an executable program. On Ubuntu, the most commonly used C++ compiler is g ++, which is part of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) toolkit. To install g++, follow these steps:

  1. Open the terminal in Ubuntu.
  2. In the terminal, run the following command to install g++:
sudo apt install g++
  1. During the installation process, you will be asked to enter the password for your user with administrator privileges. Enter it and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Once the installation is completed successfully, you will have the g++ C++ compiler installed on your Ubuntu system. You can now start writing and compiling C++ programs.

3. Set up an integrated development environment (IDE)

Although not strictly necessary, using an integrated development environment (IDE) can significantly improve your C++ programming experience. An IDE provides additional tools and features that make it easier to write, debug, and run programs. In this section, we will recommend some popular IDEs for C++ on Ubuntu.

Option 1: Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is an open-source and highly configurable IDE developed by Microsoft. It is very popular among programmers due to its intuitive interface and wide range of extensions. To install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

  1. Open the terminal in Ubuntu.
  2. Run the following commands one by one:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https wget
wget -q https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -
sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main"
sudo apt update
sudo apt install code
  1. Once the installation is complete, you can launch Visual Studio Code from the Ubuntu applications menu.
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Option 2: Qt Creator

Qt Creator is an IDE specialized in developing applications using the Qt framework. It is a popular choice for those who want to develop graphical applications in C++. To install Qt Creator on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

  1. Open the terminal in Ubuntu.
  2. Run the following command to install Qt Creator:
sudo apt install qtcreator
  1. During the installation process, you will be asked to enter the password for your user with administrator privileges. Enter it and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Once you have set up your preferred development environment, you are ready to start writing and compiling C++ programs. Congratulations!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about installing C++ on Ubuntu, along with their concise answers.

Can I install C++ on Linux distributions other than Ubuntu?

Yes, C++ can be installed on other Linux distributions in a similar way to Ubuntu. However, the specific commands to install the C++ compiler may vary depending on the distribution. Please refer to the documentation and resources specific to the distribution you are using for precise instructions.

Do I need to have prior programming knowledge to install C++ on Ubuntu?

Not necessarily. Installing C++ on Ubuntu is a technical task, but it does not require advanced programming knowledge. However, to start writing and compiling programs in C++, it is advisable to have basic knowledge of programming and programming logic.

Can I use a different IDE for C++ programming on Ubuntu?

Yes, there are many IDEs available for C++ programming on Ubuntu. Some popular options include Eclipse, Code::Blocks, and CLion. Choose the IDE that best suits your personal needs and preferences.

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Can I use a text editor instead of an IDE to program in C++ on Ubuntu?

Yes, you can use a editor such as Nano, Vim, or Emacs for writing C++ programs. However, IDEs often offer additional features that make writing, debugging, and running programs easier than a basic text editor.

Where can I find additional resources for learning C++ on Ubuntu?

There are many online resources available for learning C++ on Ubuntu. Some recommended resources include online tutorials, online courses, C++ programming books, and the official C++ and Ubuntu documentation. Explore different resources and find the one that best suits your learning style.

How can I uninstall the C++ compiler on Ubuntu if I no longer need it?

If you want to uninstall the C++ compiler on Ubuntu, you can do so using the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt remove g++

Please note that uninstalling the C++ compiler will remove any previously compiled programs and their dependencies. Make sure to back up your important programs before uninstalling the compiler.

Conclusion

In summary, we have covered the essential steps to install C++ on Ubuntu. From initial setup to installing the compiler and choosing a development environment, you should now be ready to begin your journey in C++ programming on Ubuntu. Remember to practice regularly and explore additional resources to improve your C++ skills.

We hope you found this guide useful and that you are excited to start programming in C++. Good luck on your Ubuntu programming journey!