Not able to have getche() working in chcount.cpp

[2kaud]

However, it does appear that this is a compiler specific issue.

Anything defined in conio.h IMO should be considered compiler specific - and could behave differently between different compilers on same/different systems. I would suggest looking at the compiler documentation for getche() for the compiler/system used. The preference is to avoid where possible using anything defined in conio.h as these are not c++ standard defined.

Btw, can either of you provide instruction on how to run the project / code after having
compiled / built solution in VS2017?

In VS2017, after the program has compiled successfully, an .exe will have been generated. This will have the name specified under Project properties/Configuration Properties/General/target name and will be created in the folder specified by Output Directory. From the Command Prompt, this .exe can be run like any other .exe.

For an on-line resource, consider
http://www.learncpp.com/
http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/

For books, I can suggest a couple but often this comes down to readers preference. I would suggest only books published since 2015 that cover c++14.

Starting Out with C++ by Tony Gaddis https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starting-Ou...ywords=c%2B%2B

c++ programming D Malik https://www.amazon.co.uk/Programming...5638926&sr=1-5

c++ How To Progam Deitel https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Program...ywords=c%2B%2B