What Is The Best C++ Program To Program in?

Question

I'm Planing to learn c++ so i can make programs/games. Now what program is the best to do this in?

Answer 1

I would go with Bloodshed Software Dev C++ or Microsoft Visual C++ Express. Both are free.

Answer 2

Dev C++ is a port of GCC.  It apparently hasn't been supported since 2005 (which was when the Website was last updated.  GCC itself is definitely still supported and in fact there are a couple of ports to it which are also supported.

GCC is the version of C++ which is closest to the C++ ISO standard.  In that sense it is the best C++ to program in.  You can go to Bloodshed software and get it, or you can go to one of the following pages:

http://www.mingw.org/

http://www.cygwin.com/

Visual C++ is intended for the Windows Operating System.  Microsoft is notorious for withholding information from its competitors.  If you want to program for Windows and only Windows, go with Visual C++.  I might point out, though a lot of game development --especially for Playstation -- is done on networked UNIX/Linux workstations and most of ID Software's classic games were developed on GCC.

I want to mention one more: Digital Mars.  After GCC it is the best compiler at implementing the iso standard.  You download the command-line version.  And you have to install stlport.zip separately which makes compiling it complicated, but the result was almost worth hanging in on Windows a little longer for me (not quite: I've been Windows free about 3 years now).  You can by a CD with an IDE for about $54.  It's worth it.

Finally just some kind words about Borland.  In today's climate calling it "best" is inappropriate, but in some ways it's better than everyone.

Make your own choice but those are your best alternatives.

Answer 3

Bloodshed Dev C++ is very good and is free. It uses GNU g++, which is a very good optimizing compiler.

Answer 4

Ya it all up to personal preference. That being said i use microsoft visual c++ express.  Its free and simple to use but it doesn't have everything that it could or should have.

Answer 5

I don't remember which program I used to have, but make sure you get one with a built in compiler. It makes it so much easier.

Answer 6

This is the same answer for every "What is the best (software type here (e.g. anti-virus)) software?" question: There is no "best" ... it's a matter of personal opinion/preference.

I use Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2008 Pro. But VS isn't very friendly for beginners. I don't know how much experience you have with IDE's, but I'm just lettin' ya know. =P

VS also costs a lot of money. LoL. But there are a lot of good free IDE's out there. One common IDE is Code::Blocks. Another, which was always my favorite when I first started, was Dev-C++.

http://www.google.com/search?q="Code::Bl...

http://www.bloodshed.net/ -- For Dev-C++

Microsoft does, however, have Express editions of the VS products. You might want to check them out. I don't know if they're free for a lifetime like the VS2005 Express Editions were, but it's still worth a look. http://www.microsoft.com/vstudio/express...