Since there is no standard audio library for C++, we will need to add an external library in order to play audio from the command line. In this case we will be using OpenAL.

OpenAL is an SDK primarily for Game Audio and simple acoustics modelling. However, it can be used to just play a wav file or indeed an array of type float. Instructions for installation and setup are given below

Visual Studio

Download the OpenAL SDK

  • Create a new console project

  • Add includes folder for headers

  • Add OpenAl library in linker

  • Add OpenAL32.lib to linker input

You should now be able to include the <al.h> and <alc.h> headers

  • Add Existing Files

Now press F7 to build

Xcode

  • Create a new project

  • Add OpenAL framework to target

  • Add Existing Files

Now press ⌘ + B to build

TroubleShooting

linker command failed with exit code 1 (use -v to see invocation)

What does this mean?

  • This typically means you have included a header but not the framework or the cpp file. Have a look at your project again and make sure you have included all the required files and frameworks.