Chooseing a compiler

[popa6200]

I've been using devC++ for a while it doesn't have the standerds and in some programs I have to substitute headers and classes. I was wondering what was some new compilers that could run on Windows 7 or Windows Vista?

note: the architecture is 32 bit.

[TwilightSpectre]

DevC++ isn't a compiler, its an IDE. Though, the compiler it comes with is a fairly outdated version of MinGW. Anyway, I recommend something like Code::Blocks (which comes with a fairly recent TDM MinGW compiler) or Microsoft Visual Studio (and its compiler).

[13bSLyTq]

I would highly recommend Microsoft Visual Studio, there are several versions:

- Ultimate (Best)
- Professional (Excellent)
- Premium (Outstanding)
- Test Professional (Amazing)
- Express (Good)

All of those are all trials 90-days however if you are a student you can get the Professional version for free using DreamSpark.

If you are planning on programming for entertainment, I would strongly recommend you use Code::Blocks.

[MatthewRock]

Well, I would recommend gcc, which would be MinGW for you. The reason is, it's popular and cross-platform.
If you ever feel like creating cross-platform code, or using Linux - using gcc(g++) would simplify things for you - some compilers just implement things different, and after you're done with your first game/big program, you may realize that you have additional work because gcc differs from visual studio.

Also, I recommend using Code::Blocks for the same reason. I was using C::B on Windows, now I switched to Linux, and I'm still using g++ and Code::Blocks. C::B is good IDE.

[Hambone]

Code::Blocks all the way. I was just using visual studio and when it came to different versions of Microsoft OS' and I mean version not platforms I ran into issues. I recompiled on Code::Blocks and everything worked like a charm and the file size was smaller. I have gotten to where I hate VS.

[3hM2Nwbp]

If you're looking for a compiler, then I'd suggest clang. Nothing comes close in terms of functionality ( http://clang.llvm.org/cxx_status.html ), performance ( http://clang.llvm.org/features.html#performance ),"pretty" output ( http://clang.llvm.org/diagnostics.html ), and generous licensing terms ( http://llvm.org/docs/DeveloperPolicy.html#license ).

Integration into various IDEs has seemingly became easier over the past year or so as well, so plugging it into Visual Studio is now a viable option.

Boiled Down, my suggestion is clang + Visual Studio.

@erock 88 - You're describing something that Microsoft's compiler does. Visual Studio is not a compiler.

@OrionMaster - The express edition is still free to register after 90 days, correct?

[mutexe]

@OrionMaster - The express edition is still free to register after 90 days, correct?

correct.