title: Best alternative for Visual C++? VS11 Express can't be used to write desktop apps
body: <p>Some of you might already know that Microsoft is trying to kill desktop development in favor of Metro style apps. The express editions of the new Visual Studio 11 will only support writing Metro style apps. They also won't give you the new compilers as part of the new Windows SDK. The only way to get the compilers is to buy Visual Studio Professional or higher.</p>
  
  <p>Now it's time to find an alternative (alternative compilers for the Windows platform). Any suggestions?</p>
  
  <p>Some links that are related to this issue:
  <a href="http://visualstudio.uservoice.com/forums/121579-visual-studio/suggestions/2645679-visual-studio-11-express-on-windows-7-and-the-abil" rel="nofollow">http://visualstudio.uservoice.com/forums/121579-visual-studio/suggestions/2645679-visual-studio-11-express-on-windows-7-and-the-abil</a></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/b/visualstudio/archive/2012/05/18/a-look-ahead-at-the-visual-studio-11-product-lineup-and-platform-support.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://blogs.msdn.com/b/visualstudio/archive/2012/05/18/a-look-ahead-at-the-visual-studio-11-product-lineup-and-platform-support.aspx</a></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/11/en-us/products/express" rel="nofollow">http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/11/en-us/products/express</a></p>