obsolete compiler vs new

[Tommaso]

I m sick of using this old obsolete compiler. It is not that it isn't serving it's purpose, because it is. It is just that I feel that I am using an obsolete program and it does nothing for my programming moral. What I really want to know is what would be the perfect compiler to use for the beginner? One that I will be able to program in DOS real mode, and then when I know more, program in Windows with direct X. I want to choose one compiler and stay with it. Any recommendations? :confused:

[Bieh]

Visual C++

[Sang-drax]

If "DOS mode" == console program

Visual C++ is good if you're going to make DirectX applications. Microsoft only supplies libs for MSVC along with DxSDK.
I had to argue with them alot before they sent me libs for Borland. ;)

[Fordy]

Do a serach on the board as this is discussed often...

For free Win compilers, look at Borland Command Tools and Devc++.

If you are spending look at Codewarrior & VC++

[o0obruceleeo0o]

a good way to get VC++ learning edition is to buy "Beginning C++" by Ivor Horton. The book is good from what I have heard and from the very little I have read, and u get the compiler free :)

[Sayeh]

Metrowerks CodeWarrior C/C++. It's the best. Plus you would have the advantage of sourcecode for all the libraries, tutorials, documentation, free help & training classes from MetroWerks. And it has utilities, cross-references, etc.

[Sang-drax]

Originally posted by Sayeh
Metrowerks CodeWarrior C/C++. It's the best.
I agree. The only C++ compiler that I recommend besides CW is C++ Builder, because of the nice RAD (rapid app dev).

[DOlson]

Originally posted by o0obruceleeo0o
a good way to get VC++ learning edition is to buy "Beginning C++" by Ivor Horton. The book is good from what I have heard and from the very little I have read, and u get the compiler free :)

You mean Beginning Visual C++, and I have the book. It seemed alright, explains quite a bit, even though I don't use Windows or VC++ (aside from at school). I used it for my C++ class back in semester two, and I did all my developing at that time in KDevelop while at home, but this was very VERY basic stuff. All console apps. But yeah, it comes with the Educational version of VC++. IIRC, it has a popup every time you try to run your programs.

Originally posted by Sang-drax
I agree. The only C++ compiler that I recommend besides CW is C++ Builder, because of the nice RAD (rapid app dev).

Yeah, I'm gonna start looking at C++ Builder, although not for game programming, I think. Just for GUI stuff. I loved Delphi and DelphiX when I was a Windows user, but I just can't get used to the Delphi component of Kylix anymore, because I want to move to standard languages. I used to swear by Delphi, but C/C++ is the way to go for sure. And since Kylix 3 added the C++ Builder compatability, I'm now free to explore! Yay!

I'm not sure if Borland releases C++ Builder personal edition or not (they do for Delphi 6), but if you have Linux, you can get Kylix Open Edition for free download and it's great. I also got JBuilder personal for my current Java class, but I haven't tried to seriously use it yet.