How do I debug existing C++ source code in Visual Studio 2015?

Question

This may have a very simple solution, but being new to Visual Studio and C++ programming, I'm having a hard time with this.

I downloaded an SDK written in C++ which contains an executable file and also the source and header files. The executable file accepts some command line arguments. So far I've been running the executable file from the windows command prompt (like C:\\path\\filename.exe -argument ), but now I want to be able to enter these command line arguments and then place breakpoints in the source code for debugging the source code.

I don't know how I can open the source files in Visual Studio and debug it. If I just open the source file with the main function, the debug button says 'Attach' on it instead of debug.

I see another similar question here , but that question is for a project developed using Visual Studio whereas the source code I have does not have any Visual Studio project/solution files. The only files I have are the executable, the source and header files (.cpp, .h, .hpp), and CMakeLists.txt files.

Answer 1

You can "open" the exe as a project (you can achieve the same if you drag and drop the exe into VS icon). Then you can add command line parameters at Project Properties. You will need to have debug symbol information (usually a .pdb file), if you want source code level debugging (values of variables, etc.). If you don't have that, you can only debug at the disassembly level.

You may want to create a proper project for the source files - it is an easy task, if the project is simple - so you can rebuild the exe.