C Programming Compiler for Windows Vista

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for C programming compilers that are compatible with Windows Vista. Participants share their experiences and suggest various tools, focusing on both IDEs and alternative environments for C programming.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions using Borland C++ 5.5 at university but notes its incompatibility with Windows Vista.
  • Another participant recommends Microsoft Visual Studio C++ Express Edition as a free option with a good IDE and debugger.
  • A suggestion is made to use Cygwin with g++/gcc, paired with editors like XEmacs or Notepad++ for a Unix-like experience.
  • Another participant points out MinGW as an alternative that directly calls Windows libraries, providing a similar experience to GCC without the Unix compatibility layer.
  • One user expresses satisfaction with C++ Express for their projects, describing it as trustworthy.
  • Dev-C++ is mentioned by multiple participants as a preferred choice for compiling, with Notepad++ used for writing code.
  • A participant questions the use of an older compiler at university, highlighting that Borland was once favored for standards compliance over Microsoft’s offerings.
  • Discussion includes the availability of the full version of Visual Studio for students with a valid .edu email.
  • Inquiries are made about programming resources in Linux or BSD, with mentions of Vim, Emacs, and Kdevelop as potential tools.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of preferences for compilers and IDEs, with no consensus on a single best option. Different experiences and suggestions indicate a range of acceptable tools for C programming on Windows Vista.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the age of certain compilers and their relevance to current standards, but there is no resolution on the implications of using older software versus newer options.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking C programming tools compatible with Windows Vista, especially students or those transitioning from older compilers.

lukesowersby
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Hi,

At university we are using the Borland C++ 5.5 compiler, however, this does not work on Vista, which my home computer has.

I was therefore wondering what C program compiler everyone would recommend which works on Windows Vista?

Thanks,

Luke.
 
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Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for the reply. Downloading now...
 
You could also download Cygwin and use g++/gcc. Pair that with XEmacs or Notepad++ and you're in business.

http://www.cygwin.com/
 
Just for the archives.
If you want a Unix experience c compiler on Windows you should also look at http://www.mingw.org/ it's the same GCC+Gnu tools but calling the windows libs directly rather than through the cygwin->unix compatibility libs.
 
I use the C++ express for all of my projects. Very trustworthy compiler.

Matt
 
I've always used Dev-C++ to compile, and Notepad++ for the actual writing of code.
 
lukesowersby said:
At university we are using the Borland C++ 5.5 compiler,

Your university is using a nine-year-old compiler?! :bugeye:
 
jtbell said:
Your university is using a nine-year-old compiler?! :bugeye:
Until the free edition of VS came out it was about the only free IDE on windows.
C (rather than c++) hasn't changed much in 9 years and at the time Borland was a lot better than Microsoft (MSV6 argh) for standards compliance.
 
  • #10
The full version of VS is available for all students. All you need is a valid .edu email.
 
  • #11
DaleSwanson said:
I've always used Dev-C++ to compile, and Notepad++ for the actual writing of code.

That's a nice strategy.

What about programming resources in Linux or BSD?, there is Vim, Emacs or the KDE & GNOME IDEs but I'm not sure about them. Any suggestions please?
 
  • #12
It's been a couple years since I used Linux, but when I did I was happy with Kdevelop.
 

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