Looking for compiler recs/advice

All right, so here's the skinny. I started Computer Programming 1 in college this semester, and I (and the rest of my school) missed two weeks worth of classes due to hurricane Katrina tearing our town up pretty severely. Heck, I'm still picking pieces of tree up.

Anywho, I need help on a few things:

-In our programming lab, we use Microsoft Visual Studio .Net (I think that's right) to code things. I was wondering if someone could reccomend a freeware program that operates similarly. I've tried a few, but they're like a lot of other freeware in the way that you have to go out of your way to make them function. Ah, the joys of working on a budget.

-As I said, we all missed two weeks. In those two weeks, I lost most of the information I had retianed from my first four classes. There are scores of C++ tutorial sites out there, and I'd like to find one that has most of the basics in one place. This hurricane has really put us out!

-Random question, but a lot of people in my class (including myself) are considering trying their hands at making simple games using C++ I was wondering if it would be conceivable to use C++ to make a text-based adventure game. CYOA style would probably be the easiest way of going about it.

Thanks for your help and/or the time you took to read this. And sorry to the mods if this is in the wrong forum. It's 3AM down here, and I'm running on Red Bull and dreams.

Bloodshed Dev-C++ is a good compiler.
http://www.bloodshed.net/dev/devcpp.html

>>Microsoft Visual Studio .Net<<

The compiler (no ide/debugger) is free:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/visualc/vctoolkit2003/

However, if you are a student then I believe you should be eligible for a significant discount on ms visual studio .NET, either through your college/university if they are part of microsoft's academic alliance or directly if you can provide proof of your status and your course is recognised by the relevant education authorities (the exact terms may vary depending on nationality). There are many students who frequent these boards who should be able to offer clearer advice about this but you should probably check with your course tutors and microsoft's site in any event.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by maxorator

Bloodshed Dev-C++ is a good compiler.
http://www.bloodshed.net/dev/devcpp.html

---

Sweet, but can you tell me how to work around the fact that, when I try to run my program, the window comes up for a split second, then closes?

Are you sure that's not a brief DOS panel? Perhaps a stray line that's sending a COUT command.

cprogramming.com has a great tutorial section. probably goes with saying...

Yes, you can use c++ for CYOA.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FoodDude

Are you sure that's not a brief DOS panel? Perhaps a stray line that's sending a COUT command.

cprogramming.com has a great tutorial section. probably goes with saying...

Yes, you can use c++ for CYOA.

---

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's a DOS panel. See, I'm using one of those "Say something useless, ask me to 'press any key' then continue" garbage programs to see if I like working with it, so there IS a cout command; the problem is getting it to stay put. So far, I love working with it aside from the window disappearing.

Also, thanks a lot for your other help. I didn't see the tutorial section earlier this morning due to being 3/4 asleep. :D

The console disappearing is a very common question with several different answers. You can do some research to find the best answer for you. In the mean time, add cin.get(); to the end of your code before the return statement. This should work for your simple program. The user will have to hit enter before the window closes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Daved

The console disappearing is a very common question with several different answers. You can do some research to find the best answer for you. In the mean time, add cin.get(); to the end of your code before the return statement. This should work for your simple program. The user will have to hit enter before the window closes.

---

Thanks, I'll try that tonight! :D You guys are all so helpful. I do believe I'll stay at this forum for a good, long time.

EDIT: Son of a... It's still disappearing. Well, to the research I go.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sennet

Sweet, but can you tell me how to work around the fact that, when I try to run my program, the window comes up for a split second, then closes?

---

system("Pause"); put that right before return 0;

I generally recommend that beginning students use the same compiler as the instructor and classmates. Compilers & IDEs can be difficult to install, configure and learn. The instructor may not be able to help you with an IDE he's not familiar with. Also, you don't want to get into a "Ummm... it worked great at home" sutuation.

However the bloodshed package is highly respected, and the included compiler is excellent. So, if you are comfortable using it... cool. :cool:

FYI- You can get Microsoft Visual C++ Express Edition Beta FREE! I wouldn't worry too much about the beta status. It uses the same underlying compiler as the full-commercial version of Visual C++.

The retail version of Visual C++ Standard goes for ablut $100.

As a student, you can also get Visual Studio Academic version for about $100. Visual Studio includes C/C++, C#, Java, and Visual Basic. This is essentially the $800 Visual Studio Professional version! You college bookstore probably has it.

If you are a computer science major, and if your school has standardized on Microsoft, you're porbably going to want Visual Studio at some point.

----------------
Here's the Window closing too-soon FAQ.

BTW- This is not a compiler problem, and it has nothing to do with the C++ language itself. It is a feature of the operating system. Windows automatically closes the window when the program ends.

Quote:

---

system("Pause"); put that right before return 0;

---

Or you could read the FAQ and read about several methods, and the pros and cons of each.

Ah, problem solved. I found a nice compiler to use. You're all gorgeous human beings for all the help, by the way.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sennet

Sweet, but can you tell me how to work around the fact that, when I try to run my program, the window comes up for a split second, then closes?

---

All such programs close when done! You have to use something like cin.get() or system("pause").