A good C++ compiler for windows 8

  • Context: C/C++ 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Superposed_Cat
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    C++ Compiler Windows
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable C++ compiler for Windows 8, with participants sharing their experiences and suggestions. The scope includes technical issues with existing compilers, recommendations for alternatives, and considerations regarding system requirements and software legality.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports issues with Visual Studio 2010, stating it won't compile due to an outdated version and mentions using an illegal copy.
  • Another participant claims to have used Visual Studio 2010 without issues and asks for clarification on the reported problems.
  • Suggestions for alternatives include downloading Visual Studio 2013 Express and using MinGW, with one participant noting that it worked well for them.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of details regarding the specific errors encountered with the compilers, which hinders troubleshooting efforts.
  • Some participants suggest cleaning up disk space to accommodate new software installations, while others recommend considering Ubuntu with g++ as a free alternative.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of "good" in the context of a compiler and what specific needs the participant has.
  • Participants express frustration over vague descriptions of the problems and emphasize the importance of providing detailed information for effective assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best compiler or the specific issues faced. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain, with ongoing uncertainty about the participant's needs and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the participant's unclear description of the errors encountered with the compilers, the legality of the software being used, and the constraints of available disk space for installations.

Superposed_Cat
Messages
388
Reaction score
5
I've tried downloaded three different compilers for c++ and none of them work, I have visual studio 2010 but c++ won't work on it. If someone could provide a link to a c++ plugin for it I would be soooo grateful. But anything is appreciated as long as it's free.
 
Technology news on Phys.org
I've used C++ with VS2010 without issue. Can you describe what the problem is?
 
It won't compile it says c++ is too old. I have an illegal version, I don't pay for software, can't afford it.
 
still not working any non Microsoft suggestions?
 
Superposed_Cat said:
I don't pay for software, can't afford it.

MS Visual studio express is free, and supports C++ (or to be pedantic, it supports MS's version of the language). http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/downloads#d-2013-express

If you just say "I downloaded 3 compilers and none of them work", without even telling us which three compilers or what error messages you got, do you really expect to get any meaningful help here?

Some people here might be able to do computer tech support by ESP, but we don''t do it for free :biggrin:
 
I downloaded and install MinGW a few weeks ago, works like a charm.
 
You didn't mention what operating system you're running. Visual Studio 2012 and later requires Windows 7 or later. I think Visual Studio 2010 can run on Windows XP.
 
rcgldr said:
You didn't mention what operating system you're running.

The thread title says Windows 8.
 
  • #10
jtbell said:
The thread title says Windows 8.
Sorry for the brain fade. I was posting a response to a similar thread at another forum, where the guy was having problems during install, but did not specify what OS he had. That issue was trying to install VS2012 express with Windows XP, where an error message didn't show up until part way through the install (is this fixed yet?). He was concerned about how to remove any stuff generated during the failed install.
 
  • #11
dev, vs2010 and I don't rerember the third.
 
  • #12
Superposed_Cat said:
still not working any non Microsoft suggestions?
Install Ubuntu on a separate disk partition in dual-boot mode. Ubuntu comes with the g++ compiler installed. Everything is free.
 
  • #13
my laptop only has 4gb left and I can't afford an external right now.
 
  • #14
The question is, what are you going to use the compiler for, and what does "good" really mean.
 
  • #15
We still don't know what it means "doesn't work".
 
  • #16
Won't work full stop. as soon as I press the compile button the thing crashes with a an out of date message.
 
  • #17
You are being very vague about what you are doing, and what is going wrong. You're not going to get help that way.

Are you still trying to use your stolen compiler? If so, stop it and try the legal alternatives that have been suggested to you.
 
  • #18
  • #19
Vanadium 50 said:
You are being very vague about what you are doing, and what is going wrong. You're not going to get help that way.

Are you still trying to use your stolen compiler? If so, stop it and try the legal alternatives that have been suggested to you.

How am I being vauge? It doesn't matter what I try to compile the ide crashes, not my program. they all look very old despite me searching specifically searching for windows 8 ones.
 
  • #21
that is literally perfect but it's massive. is there nothing more compact? I know I am being finicky sorry.
 
  • #22
Superposed_Cat said:
I've tried downloaded three different compilers for c++ and none of them work, I have visual studio 2010 but c++ won't work on it. If someone could provide a link to a c++ plugin for it I would be soooo grateful. But anything is appreciated as long as it's free.

Vanadium 50 said:
You are being very vague about what you are doing, and what is going wrong. You're not going to get help that way.

Are you still trying to use your stolen compiler? If so, stop it and try the legal alternatives that have been suggested to you.

Superposed_Cat said:
How am I being vauge? It doesn't matter what I try to compile the ide crashes, not my program. they all look very old despite me searching specifically searching for windows 8 ones.
You've told us that you have downloaded three compilers and none of them "works", but gave no details about what this means until we asked. What we know now is that your pirated copy of Visual Studio 2010 is outdated or installed incorrectly or something. You didn't provide any details about why the other two compilers don't work. When you describe a software product as not working, without any details of what that means, you can't expect someone else to be able to diagnose the problem and offer a solution. That's what we mean by being vague.

Several possible compilers were suggested, but you said your laptop's disk drive had only 4 GB left, and you didn't have any money for another drive. Since the three compilers you currently have aren't working, I suggest uninstalling them, which should free up some space on your disk drive. Also, uninstall any other applications that you aren't using, as well as pictures and games and whatever stuff you have stored that you don't really need and is cluttering up your drive. After you clean things out, it would be a good idea to defrag your disk so that it has lots of contiguous space.
 
  • #23
Superposed_Cat said:
that is literally perfect but it's massive. is there nothing more compact? I know I am being finicky sorry.

MS VS 13 Express for Windows Desktop requires less than 4 Gb. MS VS 13 Express for Windows (i.e., the start screen apps) requires just half of that. I would not call that massive these days.

You said your PC has only 4 Gb left. Since you are looking for something that works for Windows 8, your system clearly supports it, so it is at least reasonably modern and so it must have an HDD with a capacity upward of 100 Gb. If all that remains of that is 4 Gb, then I say: kill a few gigs of junk and be done with that. Start by checking your download and temp directories.
 
  • #24
The majority is lectures I still have to watch, ill watch those then delete them and download vs 2012, until then I am using an online compiler. Thanks for all your help guys.
 
  • #25
voko said:
If all that remains of that is 4 Gb, then I say: kill a few gigs of junk and be done with that. Start by checking your download and temp directories.

Start by emptying the recycle bin. Then, what voko said.
 
  • #26
Mark44 said:
You've told us that you have downloaded three compilers and none of them "works", but gave no details about what this means until we asked. What we know now is that your pirated copy of Visual Studio 2010 is outdated or installed incorrectly or something. You didn't provide any details about why the other two compilers don't work. When you describe a software product as not working, without any details of what that means, you can't expect someone else to be able to diagnose the problem and offer a solution. That's what we mean by being vague.
Not to be rude but I didn't ask for a diagnosis, this thread was about getting a new compiler but thanks anyway.
Several possible compilers were suggested, but you said your laptop's disk drive had only 4 GB left, and you didn't have any money for another drive. Since the three compilers you currently have aren't working, I suggest uninstalling them, which should free up some space on your disk drive. Also, uninstall any other applications that you aren't using, as well as pictures and games and whatever stuff you have stored that you don't really need and is cluttering up your drive. After you clean things out,
I had already uninstalled the compilers.
it would be a good idea to defrag your disk so that it has lots of contiguous space.
I always defrag

AlephZero said:
Start by emptying the recycle bin. Then, what voko said.
I always empty the recycle bin.

As I have found a good one there is no need to keep posting replies. Thanks everyone for all your help have a nice day. :smile:
 
  • #27
Superposed_Cat said:
Not to be rude but I didn't ask for a diagnosis, this thread was about getting a new compiler but thanks anyway.
How else were we to respond to your questions? At each step we answered your questions to the best of our abilities, based on the scant information that you provided. If you pose a vaguely described problem to a bunch of scientists and engineers, you are most likely going to be asked a lot of questions to clarify the problem, and will probably get a diagnosis. After suggesting several compilers, you said that you didn't have room on your hard drive, so we made some suggestions how you might make some room on it.
Superposed_Cat said:
I had already uninstalled the compilers.
You didn't tell us this. If you had, we wouldn't have suggested it.
Superposed_Cat said:
I always defrag
You didn't mention this either.
Superposed_Cat said:
I always empty the recycle bin.
Also not mentioned.
Superposed_Cat said:
As I have found a good one there is no need to keep posting replies. Thanks everyone for all your help have a nice day. :smile:

Thread closed.
 

Similar threads

How did early compilers overcome the need for a compiler to compile itself?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
What is the best compiler for a beginner learning C?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
C/C++ Help figuring out this C++ compile-time error?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
What is the best IDE for C programming?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Troubleshooting Seldon Package Compiling Error in Visual Studio 2010
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graphics programming for Windows - what tools to use?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
Free C(++) compiler for DOS but runs on Windows
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
Fortran Free Program for Compiling Windows Executables from Fortran77 Files
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
C/C++ C++ IDE - Eclipse vs. Visual C++
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
C Programming: What's Next After Learning C?
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
13K