A Guide to Install Desktop Development with C++ Workload
Published: 2023-07-13 13:33:29

"Desktop development with C++" workload in Visual Studio is a collection of tools, libraries, and templates specifically designed to support the development of desktop applications using the C++ programming language. It is a specialized workload within Visual Studio that provides developers with the necessary components to create robust and feature-rich desktop applications.

By selecting the "Desktop development with C++" workload during the installation process of Visual Studio, you ensure that the relevant tools and libraries are installed, enabling you to leverage the full power of C++ for desktop application development.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/q6qn59gdda0mreeam6ho.png)

## What is included in the "Desktop development with C++" workload?
Here are some key components typically included in the "Desktop development with C++" workload:

1. Compilers and Build Tools: The workload installs the necessary C++ compilers and build tools, such as the Microsoft C++ Compiler (MSVC), which allow you to compile your C++ code into executable binaries.
2. Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Enhancements: The workload enhances the Visual Studio IDE with features specifically targeted for desktop development. This may include code editors, syntax highlighting, debugging tools, and project management capabilities.
3. Libraries and Frameworks: The workload includes various libraries and frameworks that facilitate desktop application development. These libraries provide functionality for tasks such as user interface creation, file handling, networking, and accessing system resources.
4. Project Templates: The workload provides project templates tailored for desktop application development, allowing you to quickly start new projects with pre-configured settings and structure. These templates may include project types for creating Windows Forms applications, WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) applications, or console applications, among others.
5. Debugging and Testing Tools: The workload equips Visual Studio with debugging and testing tools specifically designed for desktop applications. These tools assist in identifying and resolving issues during the development and testing phases of your application.
6. Deployment and Packaging Tools: The workload may also include tools for packaging and deploying desktop applications, making it easier to distribute your software to end-users.

By installing the "Desktop development with C++" workload, you gain access to a comprehensive set of resources that support the development of powerful desktop applications using the C++ programming language. These tools and libraries streamline the development process, enhance productivity, and enable you to take full advantage of the capabilities of C++ for desktop application development within the Visual Studio IDE.

## How to Download the "Desktop development with C++" workload?
To download the "Desktop development with C++" workload in Visual Studio, you can follow these detailed steps:

1. Visit the official website of Visual Studio (https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/).
2. Click on the "Download Visual Studio" button.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/f221tor4ekrk6qx3vzct.png)


3. On the download page, you may be presented with different editions of Visual Studio. Choose the edition that suits your needs (e.g., Visual Studio Community, Visual Studio Professional, etc.), and click the "Download" button for that edition.
4. Once the installer file is downloaded, locate it on your computer and run it to launch the Visual Studio Installer.
5. In the Visual Studio Installer, you will be presented with installation options. Ensure that the "Workloads" tab is selected.
6. Scroll down or search for "Desktop development with C++" in the list of available workloads. Click on it to select it.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/eayhpmyz5yribtj1xlgu.png)


7. Review the summary of the workload and ensure it aligns with your requirements.
8. Select any additional components or workloads related to C++ development that you want to install. For example, you may want to include components for Windows development or gaming development if relevant to your project.
9. Click the "Install" button to begin the installation process.
10. The installer will download and install the selected components and workloads. This may take some time depending on your internet connection speed and the components you have chosen.

Once the installation is complete, you will be notified. You can then launch Visual Studio. In Visual Studio, you will now have access to the "Desktop development with C++" workload. You can create new projects using C++ templates and take advantage of the tools, libraries, and features provided by this workload for desktop application development.

It's important to note that the exact steps and options may vary depending on the version and edition of Visual Studio you are using. Additionally, it's always recommended to refer to the official Microsoft documentation or resources for the most up-to-date and accurate instructions on downloading and installing workloads in Visual Studio.

## Use Cases of "Desktop development with C++" workload
The "Desktop development with C++" workload in Visual Studio is useful in various scenarios that involve developing desktop applications using the C++ programming language. Here are some cases where you may need to utilize this workload:

1. Native Desktop Application Development: If you are developing desktop applications that require low-level system access, efficient memory management, and direct interaction with hardware peripherals, the "Desktop development with C++" workload is ideal. It provides the necessary tools and libraries to leverage the power of C++ for building high-performance, native desktop applications.

2. User Interface Development: When creating desktop applications with graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as Windows Forms applications or Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications, the "Desktop development with C++" workload offers libraries, templates, and design tools specifically tailored for UI development. It enables you to design visually appealing and interactive user interfaces for your desktop applications.

3. Gaming Applications: If you are developing desktop games using C++ and leveraging game development frameworks like DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan, the "Desktop development with C++" workload provides the necessary tools and libraries for game development. It includes features for graphics rendering, input handling, audio processing, and performance optimization, allowing you to create immersive gaming experiences.

4. Cross-Platform Development: If you are targeting multiple platforms for your desktop application, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, the "Desktop development with C++" workload supports cross-platform development. It allows you to write C++ code that can be compiled and executed on different operating systems, facilitating the development and maintenance of cross-platform desktop applications.

5. System Utilities and Tools: When building system utilities, diagnostics tools, or software that interacts closely with the operating system, the "Desktop development with C++" workload is essential. It provides access to system APIs and libraries, enabling you to develop applications that perform system-level tasks and access system resources.

6. Performance-Critical Applications: For applications that require high performance and efficiency, such as scientific simulations, data processing, or real-time applications, the "Desktop development with C++" workload is beneficial. It allows you to optimize and fine-tune your code to achieve the desired performance levels.

These are just a few examples of the cases where the "Desktop development with C++" workload in Visual Studio is valuable. It caters to scenarios that demand the power, performance, and control provided by the C++ programming language for desktop application development.

## Using Lightly [C++ Online Compiler](https://www.lightly-dev.com/cpp/) to Skip the Download Process for Desktop Development with C++
Do you know that you can skip the installation process of Java by using an [C++ Online Compiler](https://www.lightly-dev.com/cpp/) like Lightly IDE? With a preconfigured development environment, Lightly IDE provides you with a consistent and stable environment setup, and allows you to code across different devices without repeating the installation processes.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/27jldapaaem842wfdd8i.png)


In [Lightly IDE](https://www.lightly-dev.com/), you can also work side-by-side with an AI assistant for debugging and code completion to make your coding process smoother and bug-free. The C++ online compiler in Lightly is prebuilt with coding essentials from terminal access, cloud storage, databases, syntax highlighting, GitHub integration, and more.

Read more: [A Guide to Install Desktop Development with C++ Workload](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/desktop-development-with-cpp-workload/)