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?

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.

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?

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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Originally Posted by frazeebd

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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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.

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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.

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That reasoning does not follow though since C++11 is not a superset of C99, even though it makes reference to parts of C99.

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Originally Posted by laserlight

That reasoning does not follow though since C++11 is not a superset of C99, even though it makes reference to parts of C99.

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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. :biggrin: