This quick set of steps demonstrates how to set up your workspace for a C++ project.

1. In the Visual Studio start window, click Create a new project. The Create a new project window opens.
2. Filter the project templates using the following:
   1. Type console in the search field.
   2. Select C++ from the Language drop-down list.
   3. Select Windows from the Platform drop-down list.
3. Select the Console App from the results and then click Next. The Configure your new project window opens.
4. Type OpenSTAAD Demo in the Project Name field.
5. Click Create. Visual Studio opens your new project, which includes default "Hello World" code.
6. Add the staadpro.dll dependency to the project file: This adds OpenSTAAD as a COM file reference.
   1. Open the project's .vcxproj file.
   2. Add the following element to the start of the ItemGroup element:

      <COMFileReference Include="C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering\STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition\STAAD\StaadPro.dll">
            <EmbedInteropTypes>True</EmbedInteropTypes>
      </COMFileReference>

      Copy to clipboard
   3. Save and close the project file.