Does the OS Matter in Programming?

[mattmns]

Does the OS matter in programming, say for Java, or C++, or any language? The CS department here seems to use linux, but they also lend out macs, and I would be surprised if XP was not acceptable, so I am under the impression that it does not matter. However, this seems a bit strange considering software support for linux, I would think that if there were only a few changes that needed to be made then it would be easy to offer software for any OS. So what is the general consensus? Danke!

 

[robphy]

Linux and OSX use gcc / cc. If you want gcc on XP, then you might want to install cygwin (http://www.cygwin.com) for a unix-like experience. For simple console applications, it probably won't matter too much. One issue that did arise when I was working on code that needed to run on a pc and a mac is the little-endian / big-endian issue.

When I was learning C++ (on Windows), my instructor used Visual C++ for all of his examples. Use of Borland C++ was acceptable. However, when using Borland, I noticed that minor differences were confusing to me, as a beginner. I switched to Visual C++ and things went smoother.

In my opinion, as a beginner, it's best to use the same setup (OS, compiler, etc..) that the instructor uses... or else the setup of your friends who could help you.

My $0.02.

 

[eNathan]

the OS certantly matters. Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, and many other RAD tools generally one run under Win32, as they are compiled to *.exe's. Linux has a language in itself, which also does not run under Windows. But to your speficic question. C++ and Java are very OS flexible languages, just make sure you don't use any libraries that are native to the OS which your program is not designed to run on.

 

[mattmns]

Thanks for the responses. I will do as you suggested and see what the professor is using and then use that setup.