   Visual C++ Express vs. Code::Blocks vs. Visual Studio 2008 Pro
  Hello all,I have just finished CS201, an introduction C++.  We never got beyond command line programs.  We were working with a pretty bare bones setup by writing our code in emacs or pico (ew) and then compiling at the command line with gcc.  About halfway through the semester I discovered Notepad++ and found that to be an excellent tool.  I enjoy using C++ quite a bit and I'm currently working on tic-tac-toe, my first extra-curricular program.It wasn't until the end of the semester that I came across both VC++ Express and Code::Blocks.I have them both installed on my computer and they both seem to be great programs.  I like to support OS software when I can, and feel drawn to Code::Blocks.  Admittedly, I used that program first for a while so I'm sure there's some sort of built-in bias there.  VC++ Express seems to be a bit more fully-featured, but because of my relative lack of knowledge on the subject my assessment is superficial at best.Visual Studio 2008 Pro I will assume has by far the most features available.  I downloaded thanks to MS's Dreamspark site.  To someone at my level it's pretty overwhelming, though.  I'm not sure what to do with it.If you were to suggest picking and sticking with one of the above, what would it be and why?  My goal is not to become a professional programmer, but I would like to work my way through several games (graphics are a long way off for me) as a hobby.I apologize if this has been covered before; I tried searching for similar topics and didn't come across anything.Thanks in advance,Michael   
  I haven't used Code::Blocks but I have been using Visual C++. I am still learning and am very novice. VC++ is kind of overwhelming, but it's pretty easy to just create a blank project and it's a little more tame. So far I like VC++ I'd recommend it.   ;  Visual Studio 2008 Pro has features in it that you won't need unless you're in an enterprise setup. Visual C++ Express has everything you'd possibly need as a lonewolf coder plus more, on top of that you get the same great compiler for it as your do the professional version.Code::Blocks is great if you're into open source and if you're into cross platform compatibility. Note though that Code::Blocks comes with MinGW, which has an outdated version of GCC. You can grab a new version of it here. You can also configure Code::Blocks to use the MS compiler, too. Up to you!   ;  I have not extensively used code:blocks, but I know Visual Studio inside and out. Visual Studio is easily the best IDE I've come across yet, its features are great and its debugger is second to none. I use 2008 professional edition so I can't comment on Visual C++ express vs code:blocks, but if the basic features are the same I would go with VC++.   ;  VS2008 all the way. Even if you don't use ALL features, it will saves you a lot of troubles.   ;  I, too, have never used Code::Blocks, so I can't give you much of an opinion there, but I have used VS2008 express editions for quite a while, and I've recently switched over the the Professional edition due to my DreamSpark account finally activating.With that in mind, I'll break it down a little bit.The express editions are rather barebone in comparison to the professional edition.  For one, the professional edition allows you to use workspaces for all languages supported (C#, C++, vB, and Web Developer) all in the same place.  The express editions, however, are all separate.  The professional edition also has a LOT more templates available for use.At school, we use Visual Studio 2003 Professional...why the outdated version, I have NO idea.But if you have access to DreamSpark and can get the free version of professional, I don't see why you wouldn't use it.  Yes, some of the options are a little overwhelming, but you don't need to use them, and you shouldn't as long as you don't know what they are (unless you are in a project and can afford to experiment a bit).  The express editions are also phenomenal, especially when you don't have the ability to use professional for free.  Now there is always a setting where Professional would be a little more mandatory, but for right now, either will do you just fine.   ;  I would suggest the VS2008 express. I use code blocks on OSX and Linux, it is a good IDE on those platforms. However I use VC2008 express on windows.  Experiment with it its free, before you commit to the Pro version.the The pro version might be an over kill taking into consideration your skill level and you will have to pay for it.   ;Quote:Original post by Tha_HoodRatThe pro version might be an over kill taking into consideration your skill level and you will have to pay for it.It is free to students via Dreamspark.;  I would stick with VS2008 for the simple fact that if you later decide to start using a 2D or 3D api it's alot easier to setup with VS2008 since alot more people use it and you'll find alot more help.Also, if you later decide to use Intel developer tools or perforce they easily plug into Visual Studio and are fully supported.p.s. If you ever feel overwhelmed by VS2008 you could stick to the command line compiler cl.exe.;  I've used both and for an intro to C++ course I don't think it's going to make much difference. VC++ is likely what you'll use professionally, but for now use the one you like.