Thread: Other compilers

  1. #1
    Registered User OldSchool's Avatar
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    Other compilers

    I have a few questions about C++ compilers...

    I am under the understanding that C++ is standardized so I would imagine that any newer C++ compiler would work fine for programming... Am I correct in my assumption?

    I am aware of several free compilers available for D/L (such as DevC++ and the Digital Mars stuff) but don't know a lot about them... Will these allow you to program Windows apps? I currently use the Student Intro Edition MSVC++ ver. 6.0 and it appears to be fairly crippled in what it can do so I thought I might try to use one that is more capable (and less costly)... Which ones are worth trying?

    Any assistance would be appreciated...

  2. #2
    Sweet
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    Dev-C++(Mingw(gcc)) can compile windows programs. You could also go with Code::Blocks with mingw I like both.
    Woop?

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    i'd suggest microsoft visual c++ express 2005.

    its free and good for programming for windows

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    I am under the understanding that C++ is standardized so I would imagine that any newer C++ compiler would work fine for programming... Am I correct in my assumption?
    You are correct. Although, some compilers are more standard-compliant than others. Some older Microsoft compilers had a bad reputation, but the last time I read a comparison in Dr. Dobbs Journal, Microsoft was near the top.

    NOTE - Visual C++ Express uses the same underlying compiler as the expensive versions of Visual C++.

    It's often the ease-of-use and extras like a better editor and debugger that make one compiler/IDE "better" than another.

    Will these allow you to program Windows?
    Yes. All of those compilers can make Windows programs. Note that The Windows API library is "above and beyond" the C++ standard. (Not all compilers can make Windows applications.)
    Last edited by DougDbug; 05-30-2006 at 04:59 PM.

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    Registered User OldSchool's Avatar
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    I appreciate the info, everyone... I will definitely check out DevC++ and VisC++ Express... I'll try them both out and play around with them...

    Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between the Express version and the high-end MS stuff (besides the price)? Are there features disabled or something similar or is it just a more basic interface?

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    The interface is improved, plus some of the more advanced features are missing. The compiler is the same in the express and commercial version.

  7. #7
    Registered User OldSchool's Avatar
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    Thanks for the info, MaX...

    I'll check it out!

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