Compiler

Jun 19, 2012 at 5:48pm
I was looking for a FREE compiler.
The Bloodshed one was last updated in 2005 ?
Is this correct ?
My thinking is that it Must be out of date ?

I'd like recommendations for a FREE compiler for Windows Vista etc.
a nice extra would be a built in IDE (which seemd to be part of Bloodshed)


MS Visual Studio starts at about $500 :=(
that's about $400 more than I have to start this adventure !

Thanks :=)
Jun 19, 2012 at 5:56pm
Visual Studio Express is free.
So is Code::Blocks + MinGW or Eclipse CDT + MinGW.
Jun 19, 2012 at 6:05pm
I see no reason not to use any free version of Visual Studio. I went from having the completely free Visual C++ 2008 many years ago, to having the full Visual Studio Professional 2010. I would never program C++ in anything else.
Jun 19, 2012 at 9:35pm
MinGW with CodeBlocks is great for a beginner, another upside is that you will learn to write portable code that can be compiled in everything from BSD to Windows. If you plan on writing open-source (meaning that you share your code) you should get MinGW and CodeBlocks. If you want a good debugger, don't use the builtin GDB, use OllyDbg and you can be set for a good bit of advanced programming as well as the basics without getting frustrated at the arcane nature of GDB.
Jun 19, 2012 at 11:38pm
No one has said GCC yet... so GCC.

On the matter of IDE's, you should also consider using a text editor (I would recommend Emacs) and writing your own makefiles. You end up with a lot more control over your environment and knowing how to write makefiles can come in handy.
Jun 19, 2012 at 11:56pm
closed account (4SyAqMoL)
I am a complete beginner but I got Visual Studio Express. I also checked out Code Blocks.
Jun 20, 2012 at 4:53am
Hey Gang,
thanks for the Quick and helpful responses !

I'd like to try the Visual Studio Express thingy first.
BEFORE I screw this up and have to re-install stuff...

a question ?
3 of you guys mention Visual Studio Express...
on the MS page I see a few components C++ / C# / VB / Web Dev / Win Phone.

I DO NOT see 1 download that does them all, which is what I thought Visual Studio was ( a suite of tools ).

I DO NOT need anything right now besides the C++ module.
Having dealt with MS for more years than I wish, I ERR on the side of caution.

If I install Visual C++ now and want to Add another piece later...
How Much PAIN will the additional installation cause me ?
Will the installations play nicely together when done separately ?

Thanks :=)
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