Thread: Proper starting location...

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    Proper starting location...

    I am an automation programmer… I do all of the programming for the automated manufacturing equipment, operator interfaces, and data collection systems for a pharmaceutical manufacturer. I’ve decided to learn some C++ in my spare time to try to open up some career path options.

    I’ve been using Visual C++ 2010 as a development environment (Empty Console Application). The more I read, books and sources discuss various different compilers, and the strategies/advantages/disadvantages of each… am I robbing myself of some critical piece of the puzzle by using Visual C++ 2010? Would it be more beneficial to move to a different compiler while I’m still learning the ins and outs?

    Most of the books and references don’t make a compiler recommendation; they simply talk about “the compiler you are using.” I’m not certain what criteria I should be using to select one. Is Visual Studio truly so much of a “crutch” that I should be wary of it?

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    [](){}(); manasij7479's Avatar
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    Why do you think so ? I don't see any reason to move unless you find something not compiling. The only piece of puzzle you are missing is probably what the IDE automates for you.

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    I guess my question then is... when I use Visual C++ 2010 to create an Empty Console Application, is it automating anything in the background that I a) don't know about and b) should know about as I'm learning?

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    [](){}(); manasij7479's Avatar
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    Probably not. Even if so, you could do it from the command line once in a while (especially in programs containing multiple source files) to clear up confusions about the build process. Also write the makefile (or its equivalent; in this case) once in a while.

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    Quote Originally Posted by frazeebd View Post
    I guess my question then is... when I use Visual C++ 2010 to create an Empty Console Application, is it automating anything in the background that I a) don't know about and b) should know about as I'm learning?
    No, it is not automating anything in the background. The thing you should know about while you are learning is that Microsoft Visual C++ is not C99, it operates under C89 and they have no plan to change it. Thus some of the new features present in C++11 are not implemented in Visual Studio.
    Quote Originally Posted by anduril462 View Post
    Now, please, for the love of all things good and holy, think about what you're doing! Don't just run around willy-nilly, coding like a drunk two-year-old....
    Quote Originally Posted by quzah View Post
    ..... Just don't be surprised when I say you aren't using standard C anymore, and as such,are off in your own little universe that I will completely disregard.
    Warning: Some or all of my posted code may be non-standard and as such should not be used and in no case looked at.

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    Quote Originally Posted by AndrewHunter
    The thing you should know about while you are learning is that Microsoft Visual C++ is not C99, it operates under C89 and they have no plan to change it. Thus some of the new features present in C++11 are not implemented in Visual Studio.
    That reasoning does not follow though since C++11 is not a superset of C99, even though it makes reference to parts of C99.
    Quote Originally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
    I get maybe two dozen requests for help with some sort of programming or design problem every day. Most have more sense than to send me hundreds of lines of code. If they do, I ask them to find the smallest example that exhibits the problem and send me that. Mostly, they then find the error themselves. "Finding the smallest program that demonstrates the error" is a powerful debugging tool.
    Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

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    Quote Originally Posted by laserlight View Post
    That reasoning does not follow though since C++11 is not a superset of C99, even though it makes reference to parts of C99.
    Hmm...good point. I stand corrected.

    EDIT: Here is the article explaining the language features of C++11 for Visual Studio: Visual C++: Exploring Language Features of C++11

    Thanks for pointing out my misinformation Laser.
    Last edited by AndrewHunter; 08-09-2011 at 01:07 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by anduril462 View Post
    Now, please, for the love of all things good and holy, think about what you're doing! Don't just run around willy-nilly, coding like a drunk two-year-old....
    Quote Originally Posted by quzah View Post
    ..... Just don't be surprised when I say you aren't using standard C anymore, and as such,are off in your own little universe that I will completely disregard.
    Warning: Some or all of my posted code may be non-standard and as such should not be used and in no case looked at.

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