# Preparing the Workbench

This tutorial will get you started using the C/C++ Development Toolkit (CDT) in the Workbench.

In this section, you will verify that the workbench is properly set up for C/C++ development. It is assumed that:

- Your Workbench has its default settings. To reset the current perspective to its original layout, from the menu bar choose Window > Reset Perspective.
- You are familiar with the basic Workbench mechanisms, such as views and perspectives.

## Setting the C/C++ Editor's operation and appearance

1. Open the Workbench preferences: from the menu bar, select Window > Preferences.
2. Expand the C/C++ heading and click on C/C++ Editor. The Preferences C/C++ Editor dialog's General tab appears.

3. Make any changes that you require to be comfortable editing files. For example, you may want to enable Show line numbers or you may want to make the Problem indicator color a different shade of red. For more information see the General page Preferences window in the reference section.
4. On the Preferences C/C++ Editor dialog, click the Colors tab. The Preferences C/C++ Editor dialog's Colors tab appears.
   Again, make any changes that will be useful for your working habits and click OK. For more information see the Color page Preferences window in the reference section.
5. On the Preferences C/C++ Editor dialog, click the Content Assist tab. The Preferences C/C++ Editor dialog's Content Assist tab appears.
   If you want to set an auto-activation delay or change the background for completion proposals, do so now. For more information see the Content Assist page Preferences window in the reference section.
6. Leave the preferences by clicking OK.

C/C++ Editor Preferences