# Using LaTeX to create code snippets

## Introduction
In this tutorial, I will explain how to create code snippets, regardless of your knowledge of LaTeX. If you're in a rush, or you don't feel like reading all this, you can always skip down to the bottom and copy the final result.

## LaTeX editor
There are a few LaTeX IDEs available, however they are rather complicated, and are overengineered for the task at hand. Instead of using a standard IDE, I highly recommend using Overleaf instead, an online LaTeX editor. You do not need to install anything, everything is contained on the website. If, however, you do know how to use a certain LaTeX IDE, then go ahead.

## Setting up Overleaf
Using Overleaf is a rather straightforward process, you sign up/login to an account, click on
*"New Project"*, then click on *"Blank Project"*. Give it a name, and you're good to go. The automatically generated code in the file can be deleted.

## Getting started
Once you've set up your LaTeX environment in Overleaf, or your IDE of choice, start off by adding this line at the top of your `main.tex` file:

\documentclass[a4paper]{article}

This line essentially defines the type of document your LaTeX project will be. This is the standard.

## Required packages
Now you must include the package responsible for formatting code in such a way. Add this line:

\usepackage{minted}

## Defining the document
Once added, you must now define the section of your document, where text will be contained.
Simply add:

\begin{document}
\end{document}

So far your code should look like this:

\documentclass[a4paper]{article}

\usepackage{minted}

\begin{document}
\end{document}

Compiling your code at this stage won't generate a valid PDF, so we must fill out the document with *something*.

## Adding a code snippet
As explained in the previous section, we used a `\begin` and `\end` statement to define the actual document. Within these encapsulating statements, you must now add:

\begin{minted}[frame=single,framesep=10pt]{cpp}
\end{minted}

All code written within these `\begin` and `\end` statements will be interpreted as C++ code. You can now start writing code snippets.

## Final product
This is what your final result should look like:

\documentclass[a4paper]{article}

\usepackage{minted}

\begin{document}
\begin{minted}[frame=single,framesep=10pt]{cpp}

void exampleFunction();

\end{minted}
\end{document}

Now once you compile your LaTeX code, it will generate a PDF containing a code snippet with the code you've provided.

A preview of the expected result on Overleaf: