My opinion on visual apps

IMNSHO MFC takes way too long to learn and code, so why don't you all just go out and buy C++ Builder? If it is because it can't create console apps, then buy 1.0, or even version 2! They make console apps as well! The compiler makes Visual C++ look SO slow. BUT, if you want to make good database, client server, or just any good visual app, then pass up Visual Basic and get Delphi, it is easy to use and powerful. You can get components off of the internet to do more specific things and the code runs fast. I prefer it alot to C++ Builder. Don't get me wrong though, I still use VC6, becuase of it's awesome IDE and class explorer and it's ability to handle larger projects with ease.

I HATE BorlanC++. Repeat: HATE. everytihng's so different than the actual API. for example, to check to see if a checkbox is checked, it's:

If(CheckBox1->State == cbChecked)
/*do something*/

it's just like VB only you can use the general C language - but all of the windows part is VB-esque. UGHUGHUGH. If you don't like MFC, try the actual API.

I've never tried C++builder, but I do love other Borland Products.


JavaBuilder is supurb in my eyes. Also, I have just got into Delphi and that looks like a great programming tool.



My main compiler is VC++6 - and I am more than happy with this for the time being

Well theyre very extrem options,
love, hate, unused.
I think borland products are ok, i dont do visual programming and the sight of the T_FastCreate ForM>>TT
and all that crap makes me ill. I do use borland Cpp builder as my C++ compiler - its a very good compiler and i use it for C, C++ and WinAPI programming.

Quote:

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T_FastCreate ForM>>TT
and all that crap makes me ill

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Yeah, that's the stuff I was talkin about. On our school computers all they have is VB and Builder. I always TRY to create a decent app in it, but all that VB/Delphi-like stuff C++Builder uses makes me want to toss the monitor out the window.

You better put a 4th option in your poll:

" Borland is nice, but... "

Builder is MUCH nicer and easier to use than MSVC++. The interface is good, not bad, contrary to what Ken says. With Builder I can simply plop down my buttons, create my menus quickly, do pretty much everything very easily. Then you can just click on the actions thing and modify each controls functions, attributes, etc.

With MSVC, however, you have to know WinAPI inside and out...you gotta write lines and lines and lines of code to do small things.

That is why I only use MSVC for DX. Borland for everything else.

Borland has the best debugger there is period.

though over all CodeWarrior is the best compiler there is, its debugger is about this close " " to beating Borlands.

intel c++ is probably the best for optimized code generation
on intel chips.

CodeWarrior make the tightest code ive ever seen about 1/3 size of Borland or VC without optimization... and besides that it compiles for about everthing you can imagine intel/amd/arm/macs/unix/game consoles/others(hehe).

but is the intel compiler any good? i mean incredible optimization is to be expected with a compiler from the makes of the chip...

I don't know as I've never been able to use it or afford it.
It does have a pretty big list of optimizations and probably
would optmize the pentium 4 the best.

yeah visual C++ stuff is just the same as VB, its for lazy people and has no power.:D

The only good thing that has come out of borland is Turbo C++, because it has a good help file, but Borland Builder sucks!!!, you put it to compile and you can go have a cup of coffee, go to sleep, and listen to your whole MP3 file, you come back and it's still compiling.

besides, it's tough to get it running DirectX or OpenGL.

but, I don't like MFC either, it is just like VB, only in C++

I like to use the plain Win32 API, it could take long to develop a program, but you feel very good when you finish one without Borland's help

ya, that's what I think about the API, too.

>>
yeah visual C++ stuff is just the same as VB, its for lazy people and has no power.
<<

sometimes, but it's more for RAD...and I think you mean MFC, not Visual C++ ( which is a good compiler)

yeah, VC is excelent, but if I want RAD, I´d rather use Visual Basic, I think its database capabilities are WAY too good

Oskilian

Borland's OWL is pretty good, for encapsulating windows controls, which makes it a lot faster to create a program. And, things are somewhat more logical than the WinAPI, although any good programmer should know that as well.

Borland Builder I've heard mixed things about, but Borland C++ 5.02 is excellent. It compiles DOS, console, and windows programs, has a decent enough help file system, compiles fast, has WYSIWYG dialog layout tools, has tons of example programs that show off the tricks of the trade of OWL, and it was a free compiler with an IDE.

Its downside is a lack of full ANSI C++ compliance.