Thread: C++ Visual and what??

> What's the difference of Visual C++ with other C++?
C++ is a language, as defined by ISO
Visual C++ is an implementation of that language (with several versions to choose from)
Borland C++ is another implementation of that language (ditto on the versions)
GNU GCC has a C++ compiler as well.
etc etc

> is it the best C++ or something else is better?
Depends what your measurement of "best" is?
If you have $$$ and like lots of tools to play with, then it might be.
If you have $0 and value adherence to standards, then perhaps not.

It's like choosing a car - you can't be told which is best. You can get some opinions, but in the end you have to start test driving some of them to make a final choice.

Yes.

Hi, you've arrived at a C/C++ programming board.

C++ is a programming language. Just like any other language, it isn't very useful if the computer doesn't understand it. So, you need a compiler to be able to turn that wonderful C++ code into cryptic machine code. G++ is one such compiler. There are many such compilers; you can find a listing of several of them in the FAQ.

Note that there is only one 'kind' of C++; however, there are many different compilers.

Spoonfed enough?

I understand the confusion, hero_bash.

C++ implementations can be varied and sometimes we have an hard time choosing wich is better suited. In the beginning of the learning process we even think in terms of "best" and "worst", not realizing those terms are really not applicable. We also try to choose one which has most people using it in the hope it will speed our learning process and that we code "like everone else codes".

C++ is a programming language defined by ISO. This means that for the most part, all C++ implementations must follow a common skeleton. However, the definition of C++ is so robust and comprehensive that, for the most part, whatever implementation you choose, you are assured an almost complete standards adherence.

Most C++ implementations give a lot of functionality past what the ISO defines as necessary for C++. Some of these options overlap the standards. However, these same options can be turned off for the most part, allowing the user (read programmer) to maintain a near strict adherence to the standards and ensuring the portability of his code, if he so wishes.

So, whatever you choose is more a matter of taste for the interface, on an earlier stage of learning. Only later, much later, the choice becomes tied to things like the debugger, compiler and linker. Then and only then terms like "best" and "worst" become relevant. And still, only to some extent, since frankly it's hard to be "bad" on the business of compilers, linkers and debuggers and remain around long enough to cause an impression.

So choose which one you like best after touring around the interface. My personal favorites are on the signature portion of my post. They are both free.

Just remember one thing... the last ISO C++ publication is dated of 1998. Any compiler before that is guaranteed to not comply to the most recent standards, like Turbo C++. And any compiler comming shortly after that date may not be fully compliant, like Visual C++ 6.

If you are going to code in Windows for Windows or DirectX or OpenGL I highly recommend one of the MSVC versions. Even though I'm not a Microsoftie it does make sense to use the compiler that will give you the least amount of troubles with the Win32 API, OGL, and DirectX.

Several compilers give a lot of people trouble here while attempting to use them under Windows, etc, etc. If you want cross-platform then use GCC. Your choice of compiler is going to depend on what your target platform is going to be, what type of application, etc, etc. For instance, you can do MFC (as a shared DLL) in most any compiler, but coding it the way it was designed to be coded (using Class Wizard and other tools) is going to be 'easiest' (if you call it easy/easier) using MSVC standard 6.0, 2003, or 2005. I don't recommend using 6.0 since it is so deprecated and unsupported. A lot of people complain about standard this or that which is to be expected on this board, but I'm not so sure that Windows complies with any standard this or that given it's assinine implementation. That's not a good thing for sure, but I don't think MS much cares about standard - given their consistent release of compilers that don't completely follow it. Use what works best with your platform of choice.

I, unlike some here, do NOT recommend using Dev C++. This has been the source of so many issues on this board that I have come to feel it is too much trouble for the little benefit it offers.

I recommend MSVC 2003 or 2005 .NET standard edition and/or MSVC 2005 express. You can download express for free up to a certain date (which I forget what the date is), so go get it from msdn. It comes complete with their IDE. Microsoft compilers are going to offer you the most bells and whistles, at the cost of some stability (as with all MS products), and at the risk that you may never use or need all the bells and whistles.

For the absolute fastest compiler I recommend Intel's compiler. This AFAIK is the best compiler out there and has topped all others in terms of speed. I'm not at all familiar with it's IDE or features.

Wow thanks to everyone.. i get it now. just a question, where do i download the compilers?

just a few clicks away from where you search for them on google