Visual C++

Popular programs in C/C++

What is Visual C++

Visual C Express is a free integrated development environment that allows users to create programs for the Windows operating system in C and C++. The express edition of the program is a limited version of the standard professional and enterprise development tools. The application is completely free to download, but it does require registration with an email address after 30 days. The main purpose of Visual C Express is to create executable files, dynamically linked libraries and other components that can be compiled and redistributed as software. According to Microsoft, this development environment is primarily for educational and hobby purposes rather than professional or enterprise development.

Visual C and the larger Microsoft Visual Studio are some of the most widely used development tools in the world. They can create everything from operating systems and hardware drivers to games and servers. The main advantage of Visual C Express is that it automates many of the boilerplate tasks programmers must perform when constructing a program or a user interface. Developers can create new applications through a series of wizards that automatically generate templates for necessary functions, classes and methods. This streamlined process cuts down on development time.

Visual C Express includes a number of visual elements that make programming and designing applications easier. Tools that allow programmers to design dialog boxes and other user interface elements visually let users perfect layouts. Other tools show the relation between different variables, classes and resources to make complex applications easier to understand and debug. The application also has syntax-sensitive highlighting so keywords, variables and symbols are color-coded for easier editing. Novice programmers working in C or C++ will appreciate the editor's ability to track brackets so complex nested functions are always closed correctly.

The debugging and monitoring tools are some of the most powerful parts of the Visual C Express package. Programmers are able to use the debugging tools to step through programs on a line-by-line basis and spot errors quickly. Users can also monitor variables during execution, making it possible to see the code in action. The editor also has real-time error tracking, immediately highlighting problems so they can be corrected.

Visual C Express does have a number of serious limitations. The program cannot compile applications that use the Microsoft Foundation Classes. It is limited to Win32 programs, a fact many developers may find too restrictive for their needs. The libraries included with the package are missing many important features the full Visual C suite contains. It is not possible to develop network applications or programs that use complex database servers. There might also be unique dependencies for compiled applications that make distribution difficult. The development environment has strict limits on what can be done and what can be compiled. Visual C Express is an excellent choice for hobbyists and people who want to learn to program in C and C++.

Pros

- Completely free

- Feature-rich development environment

- Debugging tools included

Cons

- Strict limitations on libraries

- Compiled programs could be hard to distribute

- No resource editor