Program in C++ without need for redistributable?

Question

I'm a bit confused about the C++ redistributable. Whenever I program in C++ (not very often cus I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to C++), my programs always require the C++ redistributable to be installed on the end user's machine. However, some programs (such as portable firefox) that are programmed in C++ function just fine on machines without the redist. Could someone please help clear this up for me?

Answer 1

You're programming using a different variation of C++ which is called Visual C++, or VC++.



VC++ is the Microsoft version of C++ which requires the .NET framework to be installed on the users machine. .NET is a runtime which works along-side the operating system to allow more functionality from the applications that are made using VC++.



If you're looking to program using C++ the traditional way then you need to download an IDE such as Bloodshed's Dev-C++ or Code::Blocks. You'll be using an older variation of C++ but it will be the initial language and not a slow variation made by a half-assed company that we've all come to call Microsoft.



.NET is slower than normal applications made in C++ and requires a lot more system-based performance. They re-invented the wheel when they made .NET, and all it did was add another layer of crap for us all to deal with.





Words of Wisdom,

- Hex

Answer 2

My guess is you're using something like Visual Studio Express, which (being free) has some restrictions like this. If you use the full version of Visual Studio, or switch to something non-commercial like gcc then you shouldn't have this problem.

Answer 3

I think it depends on the compiler.