Step 1: Create a New Project

• Open Code::Blocks.
• Click on "File" > "New" > "Project...".
• Choose "Console Application" and click "Go".
• Select "C++" as the programming language and choose a project name and location. Click "Next".
• Choose "Console application" and click "Next".
• Select "GNU GCC Compiler" and click "Finish".

Step 2: Coding the Calculator

Replace the template code with the following code to create a basic calculator:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main() {
    char operation;
    double num1, num2;

    cout << "Enter first number: ";
    cin >> num1;

    cout << "Enter an operation (+, -, *, /): ";
    cin >> operation;

    cout << "Enter second number: ";
    cin >> num2;

    switch (operation) {
        case '+':
            cout << "Result: " << num1 + num2 << endl;
            break;
        case '-':
            cout << "Result: " << num1 - num2 << endl;
            break;
        case '*':
            cout << "Result: " << num1 * num2 << endl;
            break;
        case '/':
            if (num2 != 0) {
                cout << "Result: " << num1 / num2 << endl;
            } else {
                cout << "Error: Division by zero is not allowed." << endl;
            }
            break;
        default:
            cout << "Error: Invalid operation." << endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

Step 3: Build and Run the Project

• Save the file (Ctrl + S).
• Click on the build button (green hammer icon) to compile and run the program.

Step 4: Testing the Calculator

• When prompted, enter the first number.
• Enter an operation (+, -, *, /).
• Enter the second number.
• The program will display the result of the operation.

Congratulations! You've successfully created a simple calculator program using C++ and Code::Blocks. This mini project helps you practice basic user input, conditional statements, and switch-case statements in C++. Feel free to expand upon this project by adding more functionality or refining the user interface.