What is the difference between Visual C++ and C++?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between Visual C++ and C++, including their applications, compiler performance, and the suitability of various compilers for different tasks. Participants explore the implications of using Visual C++ for development and compare it with other compilers like GCC and Intel's compiler.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the relationship between C++ and Visual C++, noting that C++ is the actual programming language while Visual C++ is a development environment provided by Microsoft.
  • Concerns are raised about the performance and reliability of Microsoft's C++ compiler, with some participants sharing negative experiences regarding its handling of scope and nested templates.
  • Others argue that all major compilers (Microsoft, Intel, GCC) have their strengths, suggesting that the choice of compiler should depend on specific project needs and features.
  • One participant mentions issues with Intel's compiler optimizing code in ways that lead to unexpected behavior, indicating that experiences with compilers can vary widely.
  • There is a suggestion that beginners should focus on learning ANSI C++ and object-oriented programming before attempting GUI development with libraries like QT.
  • Participants discuss the importance of understanding compiler standards and the implications of using non-standard extensions in code.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the quality and reliability of various C++ compilers, with no consensus on which is superior. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for using Visual C++ versus other compilers.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific issues with compiler behavior and standards compliance, indicating that experiences may depend on individual use cases and familiarity with different environments.

exequor
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I am puzzled about the defference between visual c++ and c++. I know that c++ has the portability and all so if you know c++ how is it related to visual c++? Is visual c++ mostly for online apps? Would visual basic be better for desktop applications? Is the smart certify direct course for visual c++ good?
 
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Cipher, I honestly wish I could help you, but I can't. Actually, I'm replying because I've had that same question lingering in my head since August of 2003. I have started learning about Visual Basic, but I don't know anything about C++ or Visual C++ other than the fact that my Programming instructor told me that they're different. I hope some knowledgeable members reply...
 
C++ is the actual language. Visual C++ is just the name Microsoft gave to its c++ development environment.

Btw, Microsoft's c++ compiler stinks. Use either gcc or intel's compiler.
 
dduardo said:
Btw, Microsoft's c++ compiler stinks. Use either gcc or intel's compiler.

I'm sure your opinion is completely unbiased.

Seriously, all three (Microsoft, Intel, GCC) are good compilers. All three have their strengths; Microsoft is good for win32 development; Intel is good for compiling code for Intel processors; and GCC is platform-independent.

Depending on what features are important to you, anyone of them can be used. Or all of them, if you avoid compiler extensions.
 
master_coda said:
I'm sure your opinion is completely unbiased.

Seriously, all three (Microsoft, Intel, GCC) are good compilers. All three have their strengths; Microsoft is good for win32 development; Intel is good for compiling code for Intel processors; and GCC is platform-independent.

Depending on what features are important to you, anyone of them can be used. Or all of them, if you avoid compiler extensions.

No, I'm being, serious. I've had numerous issues with Microsoft's compiler not doing the right thing. One thing I can name off the top of my head is improper handling of scope. Another is nested templates I'm sure many people who have used visual studios in the past and present can atest to this. What microsoft likes to do is throw in there non-standard junk into the compiler and its breaks stuff. They do the same thing in Internet Explorer.
 
dduardo said:
No, I'm being, serious. I've had numerous issues with Microsoft's compiler not doing the right thing. One thing I can name off the top of my head is improper handling of scope. Another is nested templates I'm sure many people who have used visual studios in the past and present can atest to this. What microsoft likes to do is throw in there non-standard junk into the compiler and its breaks stuff. They do the same thing in Internet Explorer.

I've had problems with Intels compiler optimizing code from slow and working to fast and not working. I'm continually handed "standard ANSI" C++ by people at my University who obviously have never used anything but gcc, since they seem to think think gcc extensions are less non-standard than MS extensions.

The nested templates is one of the most glaring issues with the MS compiler, although the scope handling is no longer the issue it one was. Their code generators in VC++ will generate non-standard code, but that's an issue with their IDE and not their compiler.
 
i want to start writing the ANSI codes, i think in linux you can use QT for that but how do i do it in windows and will the compilers listed above will work.
 
Cipher I think your confused with the lingo. ANSI is an organization that creates standards. (http://www.ansi.org/) In the case of c/c++ a committe has outlined how compilers should behave. QT is basically a gui library and not related with ANSI.. (http://www.trolltech.com/products/qt/index.html )

QT is a multiplatform library, meaning it will run on windows, linux, mac os X, etc. If you don't know how to use multi-threaded libraries in c/c++, then don't bother trying to do gui stuff right away. Get the basics down with command line, learn how to build classes and templates. You must be very comfortable with OOP (Object oriented programming) to do gui stuff in c++.
 
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Agree with dduardo...I've also trouble with the VC++ :frown:
One can remember now:

In the for loop...the incrementing index varible gives global scope which is not a very good thing :)
 

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