Hello, C++!

The example above is a classic starting point for every C++ programmer. Each line in this simple program has a specific role:

• The first line, #include <iostream>, tells the compiler to include the input/output stream library. This library gives you access to objects like std::cout, which is used for printing text to the screen;
• The next part, int main() { ... }, defines the main function. Every C++ program must have a main function, as this is where the program begins running;
• Inside the main function, the line std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl; sends the text "Hello, World!" to the output stream, which displays it on your screen. The << operator is used to pass the string to std::cout, and std::endl adds a new line after the text;
• The final line, return 0;, ends the main function and returns the value 0 to the operating system. This is a way of signaling that the program finished successfully.

Even though this program is short, it introduces you to the basic building blocks of every C++ application: including libraries, defining the main function, displaying output, and signaling successful completion.