title: Compiler for Win32 Programs?
body: <p>I'm going to start learning how to program applications for Windows. I'm not sure what compiler I should use. Right now I'm using the Code::Blocks IDE 10.5 and got used to it and would like to stick to it.</p>
  
  <p>I don't know if I should use the GNU GCC compiler or the MSVC++ 2008 compiler. Is there any reason to pick one over the other when creating a Win32 GUI project?</p>
  
  <p>And how can I tell the compiler/linker to look in the Windows SDK directory instead of it's own directory?</p>