Member Avatar for revenge2

Hello there. which compiler would you recommend out of these

1. bloodshed dev c++
2. Visual c++ express edition
3. code: blocks studio

one more question whats the .net framework?

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Dani AI

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Good points from @Infar2ction and — this expands on those replies with a short, practical decision guide and modern alternatives so the choice fits what you want to build.

If the goal is learning standard C++ and running examples from books: use a GCC-based toolchain (MinGW-w64) with a lightweight IDE such as Code::Blocks (cross‑platform) — that combination reproduces most online examples without extra config. If the goal is Windows-native development with the most powerful debugger and IDE features, use Visual Studio Community (free for individuals) which provides the MSVC toolset and good Windows integration. Bloodshed Dev‑C++ is essentially legacy; if you like that UI look for a maintained fork, otherwise prefer Code::Blocks or an editor+toolchain combo.

A few practical notes:

  • Native C++ binaries (GCC/MSVC) have different redistribution concerns than managed/.NET apps. MSVC-built programs commonly depend on the Visual C++ runtime unless you build with the static CRT option; see Microsoft docs on redistributing the VC++ runtime for the exact steps and tradeoffs (dynamic vs static linking).
  • If portability is a goal, adopt CMake early — it makes switching compilers/OS much easier.
  • Modern, maintained projects to check: Code::Blocks (https://www.codeblocks.org/), Visual Studio Community (https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/community/), MinGW‑w64 (https://mingw-w64.org/).

Quick sanity test (create a simple file and compile):

g++ -std=c++17 hello.cpp -O2 -g -o hello.exe

or with MSVC command line:

cl /EHsc /std:c++17 hello.cpp

If unsure, try both: Code::Blocks+MinGW for portability and quick examples, Visual Studio Community for deep Windows work and debugging.

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Member Avatar for Infarction

The .NET framework is a set of libraries that Microsoft provides for developers. It's similar to the Java libraries in that it essentially requires a host environment to be installed before you can use applications written with it (e.g. you need to have .NET framework installed to run .NET apps ~ you need JVM to run Java apps).

As to compilers, try them each out and decide which you like better. Or if you're comfortable with your first pick, just use that. Everyone'll have their own preference. I prefer VC++ (I have the full version though), but I've not even tried the others. ;)

Member Avatar for jbennet

dont use VC++ Express. By default it can only make .NET apps, not proper win32 apps. To make "classic" c++ apps you need to install and configure it to use somethig called the platform SDK which is a pain in the ass

Use dev c++ instead.

Member Avatar for revenge2

yeah thanks jbennet and Infarction thats why i asked that question. So if i wrote a programme in VC++ express the user of the programme will have to have the .net environment installed?

Member Avatar for jbennet

yes it means they must have .NET 2.0 which limits your potential user base to those running Vista, XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP1

Its easier to use dev c++ as more examples from books and the net wil compile "out of the box" on it than on c++ express

Member Avatar for Member #46692

What jbennet said. VC++ tends to make up its own standard.

I hate the idea of mixing c++.net. c# is my preferred choice when using dotnet.

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