title: Using a pure C++ compiler versus Visual C++
body: <p>I searched around for the answers to these questions, but I have had little luck.  So, I thought I would post them here to get some clarification.  If this is a duplicate, please let me know, and I will close this.</p>
  
  <p>Okay, with that said, I would like to begin learning C++.  I come from a C# background and I have a great respect for Visual Studio and what it can do.  Now, my question is.  How well does Visual Studio's compiler work for C++ as opposed to a non-Microsoft version (such as MinGW)?</p>
  
  <p>My thing is this.  I have nothing wrong with Microsoft, but I would really like to learn C++ in a "pure" form and not scewed by any particular implementation.  How reliant is Visual C++ on the .NET Framework?  Can a "pure" C++ application be created through Visual Studio without any .NET usage or overhead?  Does the Visual Studio compiler compile C++ into CIL like it does with C#/VB, or does it compile it all the way down as others do?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks for any help anyone can provide!</p>