c++ on windows without being lock into.net path?10pts?

Question

i want to learn c++
my os is windows but i dont want to be force to learn dotnett, c#, clt plethora of languages

my question is if i use visual c++ compiler would be locked into microsoft products
if so what is best way to learn c++ on windows without being locked into microsoft

Answer 1

Hello Friend,



I know exactly what you're saying, and there are plenty of other alternatives. You can still use Visual Studio compiler without using C++ CLR (DotNet). Visual C++ express limits you to two types of projects: a dotnet and a Win32 one. However, the Visual Studio version that you buy (Professional and up) will have up to 7 C++ projects including: ATL, CLR, General, MFC, Smart Devices, General, and Win32. In the professional version you can even create makefile project and even custom projects.



However, if you do not plan on using DotNet's API's and still intend to create your GUI, you might consider using QT4. It is a very popular cross platform solution to use. MFC C++ is also another alternative that has been around since windows 95 (recently updated) and can also be used for GUI programming.



As for compiler IDE's Visual Studio is the most intelligent I've see and I don't think it's necessary to switch if all you want to do is be free of dotnet. Just don't choose a C++ CLR project while you're in Visual Studio.

Answer 2

You can use Visual Studio to create normal C++ applications without all the .NET related stuff. When you create a new project you have the option to create an empty project remove the pre-compiled headers.



If you want you can always fall back on MinGW which is a GCC implementation on Windows or use Cygwin to emulate a Linux environment.

Answer 3

You could install Linux on another partition, and do your c++ there. Or, you might just slam Linux over your Windows OS. I upgraded from DOS in 1992, and haven't looked back.



You could even boot from a Knoppix disk, do your C++, saving to a thumb drive. Take out the CD and reboot to Windows - nothing has changed.

Answer 4

They are a fire hazard in any country you need a safe route of escape if there is a fire and if you need to get out the window i would just smash it what would mean more to you breaking a window or dying get on to the city building regulation and see what they can tell you i bet they will tell you he's breaking the law.

Answer 5

If you just want to write non-gui C++ code you can use http://www.bloodshed.net/devcpp.html and the mingw C\C++ compiler or heck just use mingw with TextPad, Notepad whatever editor you like. If you want to write gui apps you can use the following cross-platform apis



gtk+

qt

wxWidgets

fltk

Answer 6

http://www.bloodshed.net/download.html