C++ compiler

[andreadebiase]

I thought to get in to C++ so I got the C++ "for idiots" book. It`s pretty neat however I can`t get the compiler to work properly on my machine. I think is because I have Win XP. Does anyone know of a good "free" compiler I could use?
thanks


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#!@$*%.....just format the damn C:

[Erik]

Hi,

I believe that the compiler that comes with those types of books is a Borland compiler, and if so is a DOS based program. It might be able to run if you boot your machine into DOS first, then install and run. To do this you will need a system disk capable of booting into DOS.

If that doesn't work, and you are serious about programming, I would recommend that you buy an introductory book for Visual C++ 6.0. Look for one that comes with an introductory eddition of Visual C++. This will allow you to do everything you can in the DOS compiler, plus do Windows programming. Also as they are desinged to work for Windows, and desinged by Microsoft, you will have no problems.

If you have the money go out and buy Visual C++, it is much better than any of the DOS based compilers, and if you are serious about programming it is the only choice.

Erik

[andreadebiase]

If I am serious or not depends on how it goes. PC is my hobby not my business but i remember the old days when I used to program in Basic on a Commodore 64.....iy was very cool. I will eventually upgrade to a better book once I get a clou about c++ on the "idiots" one.


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#!@$*%.....just format the damn C:

[Erik]

If you want to try programming in C++ first with what you have try to run it under compatability mode. The major problem with any free, non Microsoft compiler, as far as I know, is that they are all DOS based. Windows XP won't run DOS programms natively. Can you install the Compiler? If so just right click on the icon, and choose the properties option. Once their click the compatability tab and try to run it under Windows 95. If this dosn't work you will have to try to boot to DOS, then run your compiler. Do you have a DOS boot disk?

Erik

P.S. Programming in C++ is much more complicated than BASIC at first, but once you understand the basics well it is a much more powerful, and useful language.

[d03boy]

Hey,
I'm also in the same kind of boat... I started out wanting to learn C++ so I bought "Visual C++ for Dummies" and "[sams] Teach yourself C++ in 21 days". The "Dummies" book is a lot more complicated than the [sams] book in my opinion. With programming langauges I've found out that in the beginnings of the books it's hard for me to grasp the concepts because it's so simple. I'm having trouble learning anything with C++. I want to make GUI Apps but all it teaches so far is DOS apps and junk like that which are useless to me right now. I'm rambling right now half asleep not knowing what I'm saying so I'm going to end my thought right now.

Goodluck
-Joe

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[Erik]

Hey,

The reason any good book on Visual C++ starts out with DOS programs exclusivly is because all of the visual elemnets are built on a DOS fundation. Basically every visual element of a Visual C++ program is a DOS object, and an object is just a complex set of DOS code. So to understand how to prgram in Visual C++ you must first know how to programm C++ in DOS.


Erik