Code::Blocks or Visual Studio?

[Gio]

Recently, my Visual C++ Express edition expired. So, I was going to buy the professional version, but first, I want to know if I should get Code::Blocks instead. Which is better, and why?

[helios]

"Expired"? AFAIK, VC++ Express doesn't expire. Are you sure you weren't using the Professional trial version?

[NGen]

Visual C++ Express is free. Registration is free, unless you got the whole Visual Studio. All you need is a Windows Live account, fill out a small survey (no personal info required) and you get your registration key.

[blackcoder41]

I think you got the trial version intead of Express Edition.

+1 helios. Express Edition is free, it does not expire.

Here's the link
http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/E/5/1E5F1C0A-0D5B-426A-A603-1798B951DDAE/VS2010Express1.iso

Anyway, I use both Code::Blocks and Visual C++

[Bazzy]

IMO codeblocks is easier to use than VC++, and it supports tons of compilers ( even the VC++ one )

[Gio]

Whoops, sorry guys, turns out it WAS Test Professional... I got VC++ Express now, thanks, but anyway, which is better? Oh, and I want to develop a mix of commercial and open source software, if theres anything in any of the licences of the products (Visual C++ Express, Code::Blocks and/or (test)Professional Visual Studio) that stops me from commercial development, please point that out.

[1yR4jE8b]

If you want to do commercial AND open source, then Visual Studio Express is not the way to go. You can use GCC/MinGW for both, as far as I can remember, as long you don't statically link any GPL code.

[helios]

If you want to do commercial AND open source, then Visual Studio Express is not the way to go.

http://www.microsoft.com/express/Support/Support-faq.aspx (search for "commercial" in that page)

[blackcoder41]

+1 helios again..

Microsoft wrote:

Can I use Express Editions for commercial use?
Yes, there are no licensing restrictions for applications built using Visual Studio Express Editions.

[1yR4jE8b]

-1 to me for never reading eula's

[Archaic]

If you're a student who attends an accredited university, Microsoft offers the professional version for free.

https://www.dreamspark.com/

[Duthomhas]

Yes, but the EULA for students is pretty explicit that you cannot develop commercial software.