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Learn Visual C++ 2005

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What Is Visual C++ 2005?

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 provides a powerful and flexible development environment for creating Microsoft Windows–based and Microsoft .NET–based applications. It can be used as an integrated development system, or as a set of individual tools. Visual C++ is comprised of these components:

Visual C++ 2005 compiler tools - The compiler has new features supporting developers that target virtual machine platforms like the Common Language Runtime (CLR). There are now compilers to target x64 and Itanium. The compiler continues to support targeting x86 machines directly, and optimizes performance for both platforms.

Visual C++ 2005 Libraries - This includes the industry-standard Active Template Library (ATL), the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) libraries, and standard libraries such as the Standard C++ Library, and the C RunTime Library (CRT), which has been extended to provide security enhanced alternatives to functions known to pose security issues. A new library, the C++ Support Library, is designed to simplify programs that target the CLR.

Visual C++ 2005 Development Environment - Although the C++ compiler tools and libraries can be used from the command-line, the development environment provides powerful support for project management and configuration (including better support for large projects), source code editing, source code browsing, and debugging tools. This environment also supports IntelliSense, which makes informed, context-sensitive suggestions as code is being authored.

In addition to conventional graphical user-interface applications, Visual C++ enables developers to build Web applications, smart-client Windows-based applications, and solutions for thin-client and smart-client mobile devices. C++ is the world's most popular systems-level language, and Visual C++ gives developers a world-class tool with which to build software.

What Are the Differences Between the Visual C++ Editions?

The Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition is a lightweight, easy to use and easy to learn tool for hobbyist, novice, and student developers who want to build dynamic Windows applications. The Visual C++ 2005 product team has put together a series of Hands-on Tutorial Videos for people who are new to the Express Edition.

For the professional developer who needs the ultimate in power in order to design and produce timely and robust Windows and Web applications, Visual C++ is included with the award-winning Visual Studio interactive development editor (IDE). There are currently three different editions of Visual Studio (all of which include Visual C++). Click here to see a grid comparison of all the Visual C++/Visual Studio editions.

Where Can I Find Sample Applications?

MSDN provides two distinct types of sample applications in order to help developers who are new to Visual C++ 2005 become more productive faster than ever. The first type of sample is a set of walk-through samples, where the developer is taken step-by-step through the process of performing a programmatic task such as extending the famous "Scribble" MFC application to support a plug-in model using .NET to demonstrating the use of reflection in a pure MSIL (Microsoft Intermediate Language) application.

In addition, MSDN also features a Visual C++ 2005 Samples page dedicated to samples that cover every aspect of programming with Visual C++ 2005. This includes such tasks as programming with Standard Template Library (STL), ATL, internationalization, .NET interoperability, Platform SDK and much more.

Finally, if you can't find the exact example you're looking for, we recommend browsing through the list of third-party community sites where you'll find thousands of source-code examples and tutorials.

How Do I Learn More About Visual C++ 2005?

MSDN provides many starting points for learning about Visual C++ 2005 depending on your need. If you're looking for product information such as a feature overview or system requirements, you can visit the Product Information page. On other hand, if you're looking to learn more about the product from a usage (developer) standpoint, here are some great resources that will help get you underway very quickly:

  • What's New in Visual C++ 2005 - Discover all the changes to the libraries, IDE and compiler as well as information on such topics as how to port, or upgrade, your existing projects.
  • Getting Started - This page contains links to such information as supported platforms, Visual C++ settings and how to create and manage your Visual Studio 2005 projects.
  • Guided Tour - For the newcomer to Visual C++, this page could become your best friend as it covers many common tasks such as how to: compile a code example found on MSDN, create a command-line applications, convert between different types, use the IDE more efficiently, create and use dynamic and static libraries and more. There's even a page for Unix developers new to Visual C++.
  • How do I ... ? - As software developers we're always wanting to learn more. Therefore, we've created a page for such inquisitive people where the most commonly asked about topics are categorized for your convenience. For example, if you have a question regarding the performance of a mixed-mode application (containing both native and managed code), you would go to the How-To page and click on Interop where where one of the topics is entitled Performance Considerations for Interop (C++).

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