Small Steps VII — Share Your Program

Share with Friends

Test and share the whole program folder as a ZIP.

Make a small greeting card

Example · example.cpp

void small_main()
{
    print("====================");
    print("Hello, friend!");
    print("Made with Small C++");
    print("====================");
    input("Press Enter to close.");
}

Save this as MyCard.cpp. Try it, then publish it to a new folder. Or use a program you finished in an earlier lesson.

Check before sending

Open the published folder and double-click MyCard.exe. Check the result. If your program uses extra files, check those too. Keep all the files and folders Publish created together, including the DLLs, plugins, and licenses folder. Original source code and relinking materials are not included automatically. You do not need to open or edit the exported files to share the program.

Send the whole folder, not just the exe. The other files help the program run and include library license and source-access information. Only include pictures, sounds, and other materials you have permission to share.

Open Folder takes you to your finished program.

Make a ZIP

1. Close the running program. 2. In File Explorer, go to the parent of the published folder. 3. Right-click the whole folder and choose Compress to ZIP file. On older Windows versions, use Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder. 4. Send the ZIP to your friend using your usual file-sharing method. Some services block executable files, even inside ZIPs; use a method your school or family allows.

Your friend should save the ZIP, choose Extract All…, open the extracted folder, and double-click the exe. Do not run it from inside the ZIP. This package is for Windows x64, not a phone or a Mac. Your friend does not need Small C++ installed.

Exercise — Test what your friend receives

Personalize the card below and publish it. Make a ZIP, extract it to a different folder, and run the exe from that extracted copy. If possible, also try it on another Windows x64 computer. Check the name, message, and any extra files before sending it.

Exercise starter · exercise_starter.cpp

void small_main()
{
    print("====================");
    print("Hello, friend!");
    print("Made with Small C++");
    print("====================");
    input("Press Enter to close.");
}

Hint

Change the strings in print. Keep input so the card stays visible. The code below is one possible card; the important check is running the complete extracted package.

show solution

void small_main()
{
    print("====================");
    print("Hello, Alex!");
    print("Have a wonderful day!");
    print("====================");
    input("Press Enter to close.");
}