borland, vc++ , what to use?

[MiLady Mirlyn]

Originally posted by joe_bruin
the question is: what are you trying to accomplish?

if you're just learning c++, it doesn't really matter.
if you're trying to write a windows (win32/mfc) program, stick with visual studio.
if you're trying for portable gui apps, borland may be the thing for you.
if you're trying to write highly optimized code, consider intel's x86 optimized c++ compiler.
if you're writing a unix-style app, or one that will most likely be ported *everywhere* (especially unix), you might want to try gcc (mingw is native for windows, or the cygwin environment uses a unix emulation layer).

I'm new to C++... What about if you're trying to learn in order to make 3D adventure games? Would it matter then? And which one? I have Visual Basic C++ 5.0... is that good enough to start? Do I need something more?

Also, I have a book to learn C++ that comes with a GNU compiler, but I have the VB C++ 5.0 too... Which do you think would be easier to use? Does it matter? From the sound of it (just starting out in the book) VB is maybe a little easier, but I was wondering what you all thought.

Thanks!

[joe_bruin]

the truth is, when you're starting out, it doesn't really matter that much. c++ is the same in all the cases*, and the important thing is to learn and understand how to apply the language. when you are ready to write your big app, (and the many smaller ones leading up to it), you'll already be experienced enough to know what you need.

as a beginner, your principle concern should be how simple the environment is to work with. that is, will the compiler give you helpful error messages, or will it just confuse you? will there be an integrated development environment (IDE), or will you have to manage the files by yourself. and will that ide have good help files and ways to look at your data, or will it just confuse you more?

if you're a windows user, you should try visual studio 6.0 (or the newer visual studio .net). it has good help files, a good ide, and the compiler is descent about telling you what it doesn't like.

if you're more of a unix person, gcc (the gnu c compiler) may be good for you. alot of things you will need are documented in man pages. there are a few ide's for gcc. for windows there is the bloodshed ide (i've never tried it).

if your book explains how to do things with gcc, you may still be able to use any other compiler you have, but you might need to do the extra work to figure out how to get it working right. i would say it's probably easier to get another book than it to struggle to learn a language with an environment that confuses you.

you mean "visual studio 5.0", i assume. i would suggest you upgrade to a more recent version of visual studio if you plan to use it. 5 is pretty ancient.

*by the time you reach the point where the difference in the compilers really makes a difference in your code, you're generally pretty much an expert.

[MiLady Mirlyn]

Thanks, Joe, that's a little more clear! Guess I just need to get to reading, huh?

[aiyiku]

since i'm a newbie, i don't use either. i have both vs6 and vs.net plus borland c++ builder 6.0. i have vs6 and borland installed, but not vs.net as of yet. for now, i just write my code in pandali intelligent editor then compile it via console using borland's compiler. Does what i need it to do and it report the errors somewhat abstractly but as long as i know the line where the error originate i can handle the rest. when i begin to write gui programs, then i will move to borland or vs. anyway, that's my 2cents.

[Valmont]

Why not using DevC++?
Simplicity. No confusing "lots of stuff to understand" before using.

So why not downloading the free DevC++ (Bloodshed) IDE? Read the readmes. There is a free visual debugger available too! Take it too. You'll love it.

Now the student can fully concentrate on C++ itself, without fuss.

I'd even pay money to get my Qt2.3 working on a no-nonsense IDE like DevC++ .

Good luck and let me know how it went.
- Val -