What is the best compiler? And what's the difference?

[mkylman]

I was wondering, what is the difference between Dev C++, Microsoft Visual C++, and others like code::blocks? Is it merely an interface difference? Is it a matter of functionality? Is it the same old C++ either way? Which do you guys think is the best, because right now I use Microsoft Visual C++ and I feel it is...a little too bulky; Do Dev and Code::blocks support Microsoft Platform SDK? I'm a little confused on what the difference between all of these programs are, and I don't have the disk space to try all of them, so some help with that would be greatly appreciated.

[laserlight]

what is the difference between Dev C++, Microsoft Visual C++, and others like code::blocks? Is it merely an interface difference? Is it a matter of functionality?

All three are integrated development environments, so in that sense it is just an interface difference. However, the compiler behind Microsoft Visual C++ can be used with Code::Blocks, and both Dev-C++ and Code::Blocks use the same default compiler (the MinGW port of GCC).

[mkylman]

However, the compiler behind Microsoft Visual C++ can be used with Code::Blocks

Um...What does that mean? That in order to use Code::Blocks(w/o the MinGW compiler) I still need to have Visual C++ Installed? Which compiler is better(or faster I guess I should say)? Can I take just the compiler from Visual C++ and get rid of everything else? What compiler does Visual C++ use?

[laserlight]

What compiler does Visual C++ use?

MS Visual C++ 2005 uses version 8 of the MS compiler (MSVC8).

What does that mean? That in order to use Code::Blocks(w/o the MinGW compiler) I still need to have Visual C++ Installed?

Yes, though it need not be MSVC8, it could be say, the 2003 version (i.e. MSVC7.1, for which the free version does not come with a graphical user interface). Of course, you dont have to restrict your choices to MinGW and MSVC, you could also use the Digital Mars or Open Watcom compilers.

Which compiler is better(or faster I guess I should say)?

GCC tends to be slow in compiling compared to MSVC8. I am no assembly expert, and have not done or seen benchmark tests between the two compilers, so I cannot say which tends to produces faster code when set to fully optimise. Both compilers are reasonably standards compliant. The good part of using GCC is that, assuming you do not use platform specific libraries, your code is likely to be portable.

Can I take just the compiler from Visual C++ and get rid of everything else?

You should read the Code::Blocks documentation for more information.

[mkylman]

Wow...Thanks, I'm still a newb to all of this stuff(C++ that is) I started to learn it about a week and a half ago, but all the compiler and development environment terminology is basically gibberish to me; I will definitely look at the documentation for some more info; You have been a great help to me, and I offer you my deepest thanks; How long have you been using C++ out of curiousity?

[laserlight]

You have been a great help to me, and I offer you my deepest thanks

You're welcome

How long have you been using C++ out of curiousity?

Just 4 years, a jiffy compared to some of the old fogeys around here.

[mkylman]

wow, 4 years is much longer than my 10 days...