Preventing console window from closing on Visual Studio C/C++ Console application

Question

This is a probably an embarasing question as no doubt the answer is blindingly obvious.

I\'ve used Visual Studio for years, but this is the first time I\'ve done any

Answer 1

Here's a solution that (1) doesn't require any code changes or breakpoints, and (2) pauses after program termination so that you can see everything that was printed. It will pause after either F5 or Ctrl+F5. The major downside is that on VS2013 Express (as tested), it doesn't load symbols, so debugging is very restricted.

1. Create a batch file. I called mine runthenpause.bat, with the following contents:

   %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
   pause
   

   The first line will run whatever command you provide and up to eight arguments. The second line will... pause.

2. Open the project properties | Configuration properties | Debugging.

3. Change "Command Arguments" to $(TargetPath) (or whatever is in "Command").
4. Change "Command" to the full path to runthenpause.bat.
5. Hit OK.

Now, when you run, runthenpause.bat will launch your application, and after your application has terminated, will pause for you to see the console output.

I will post an update if I figure out how to get the symbols loaded. I tried /Z7 per this but without success.