Does it matter which one I use to write C++?
Does it matter which one I use to write C++?
.NET, Visual Studio 6 had tons of errors and silly bugs that were fixed with .NET. Programming is hard enough without the compiler making it harder for you. :-)
*Cela*
Are you limited in any way by using .NET?
>>Are you limited in any way by using .NET?
The compiler has to conform to the standard or no one would use it. So if you use C++ like normal then you're not restricted at all.
*Cela*
The client doesn't need the .NET framework installed?
Not unless you use .NET features in your program.
*Cela*
.NET has some major VC++ 6.0 fixes that alone that make it
worth switching over for, Like problems with namespaces.
There is no reason why you shouldn't go get .NET. Its the future, 6.0 is old (well not really). If you're a C++ programmer, which you most likely are, .NET is for you because you can choose (or mix) managed and unmanged code. Managed being the Managed Language Extensions which makes your C++ compile to .NET. Unmanaged is normal, native code.
BTW:
You can get the .NET compilers for FREE. Microsoft gives them to you. Go to their site, find the .NET Framework SDK (full: over 160 Mb) and download it. It contains all the compilers and tools you'll need, all accesible from command prompt. You can then make your own IDE to make things easier. But, I'd recommend going and buying VS.NET, its worth every penny and easier to use than any other IDE ever made.
Oh yea, the .NET Framework end-user edition is only 20 Mb.
One thing i should add is that .NET, at least the IDE, is much
more heavier then 6.0. You'll need a strong harddrive and CPU.