does gcc compile files written in C++? I assume you run a text editor to put in the commands? Or is there a good program available for linux that i can use for this? Does anyone recommend python? I herd it's mostly good for scripts.

Yes, you can write a C++ program (using a text editor) and compile it with g++ (the GNU C++ compiler). One of, for example, the O'Reilly books on C++ programming in a Linux environment would be a good investment; see http://oreilly.com.

A look at the official Python web site, http://www.python.org, might give you some idea what you can do with Python.

On *nix most serious hard core types will use a vi (text editor) and make files
for C programming rather than a big heavy environment.
It's not for obstinate reasons, or being awkward or clever. it's because it's quicker and more efficient.
the downside is it takes time to learn.
Most will probably use something like gvim with syntax highlighting though.



python is not rubbish.
perl is another excellent scripting tool.
as is shell scripting.


it depends muchly on what you are trying to achieve.
choose the best tool for the job.

if you learn:
1. shell scripting
2. high level scripting (perl,python or similar)
3. C or maybe C++.

you will have a tool for 95% of tasks.

Thanks guys. im not too new with programming but ive never really done it in linux before. never found the need to untill now. my ultimate goal is to create a simple iso/data/video burning tool run through the console. ive always favored running things through the console plus i cant seem to find a burning tool i like so im going to make my own. itll take time but ill learn alot through the process.

ok i run g++ cout.cpp and it gives me a file a.out. i run it via the command "./a.out". i dont know the extension out. is there a way to compile it as a .sh or .bin?

well the easiest way, I always use is to use make and the default rules.

using your example, make cout should compile an executable
called cout

for example on my BSD machine:

obviously you get an error as it's an empty file.

or if you prefer:
.sh extension usually means a shell script

the a.out default is an historical anachronism.
god knows why it's still default.

try man gcc

gcc -M
gcc -E
are quite interesting

thank you very much you answered my question perfectly. i appreciate everyones help!