Which free C++ compiler?

[Dreaded Claymore]

So, I am going to work through a book titled "Learn C++ By Making Games," to teach myself C++.

But, I will of course need a compiler. I downloaded Microsoft Visual C++ Express, but I don't know how to make it compile a program from source code. Learning a new programming language will be hard enough without learning a complex application along with it.

My PC is running Windows 7, and it has a 64-bit Intel processor if that matters.

Can anyone recommend a free, beginner-friendly C++ compiler?

[yellowsulphur]

I like using the Eclipse IDE. It's open source and there are many tutorials online on how to install the compiler of your choice. I use Python so I can't help out much on C. Goodluck.

[ocabj]

Windows environment? I use Cygwin with the GNU compiler. But then again, I don't really write stuff in C++ for the Windows API and .NET.

[brando]

Starting with the Windows API isn't the best way to learn C++

[orangeusa]

High road = MSDN Visual Studio... I'm using 2008, but not much different than 2010. That'll cost you a ton. Very solid, and makes programming for Windows easier, but yikes... the $$$.

Low road = gcc (GNU project C++ compiler for free and is command line driven). Very solid.

Middle road
The good news is that folks have written GUI's for gcc - Eclipse IDE handles many languages and you install snap-ins for your language.

I've not used Eclipse for anything other than :
1. A low level embedded application (basically all C)
2. Noodling around with Android development - which is C++

Might be worth to check eBay for the lowest price on Visual Studio C++, although I hate to give MS $$$.

.

[Coded-Dude]

There is also the netbeans ide, but I am pretty sure it uses cygwin to compile.

[ocabj]

Visual Studio is dirt cheap for higher ed, particularly if the campus has a MS contract.

I only used VS for a few quarters in college way back in the day, and that was only for minimal work in C++ and Java. After that, all of my C++ work was with GNU.

But if you're just trying to learn C++, then you don't Visual Studio. You should be able test out advanced C++ specific features like operator overloading, templates, custom objects, inheritance, type casting, etc with GNU.

[orangeusa]

Good point. There is a huge difference between learning C++ and learning C++ for Windows (API/MFC/C# all that crap).

.

[AAShooter]

Code::Blocks

http://www.codeblocks.org/

[AAShooter]

http://www.hacktrix.com/top-5-free-c-and-cpp-integrated-development-environment

[lazyworm]

I think it depends how new you're to programming

If you're completely new to programming, command line actually is a lot
more simple, since you don't have to learn the new IDE (Integrated Development
Environment) Using an IDE usually requires you to create a project and
setup various dependent files within the IDE's framework before you can write
the first line of code. The learning curve would take time away
from learning how to program.

[BigJ]

Which environment and compiler does your book use or suggest? They almost all either come with one (CD or download) under an education type license, or will send you to various free/open source versions online.

If this book is going to be your guide, use what it uses. That way all the screen shots and actions you take will be covered precisely in the book and you won't get lost trying to translate what the book is telling you to do, vs trying to figure out what that means for your particular setup.

[glockman19]

Today I'd learn to program mobil applications. Apple has a SDK, and you can get all the CSI classes you want from Stanford University for FREE online. Do a search for CS106 and foolow it to the course offerings. I'm sure they will suggest a free c++ compiler in one of the advanced programming classes.

Many of the professors work for Apple, Google, Microsofr and others...

Good Luck

[Dreaded Claymore]

I think it depends how new you're to programming

If you're completely new to programming, command line actually is a lot
more simple, since you don't have to learn the new IDE (Integrated Development
Environment) Using an IDE usually requires you to create a project and
setup various dependent files within the IDE's framework before you can write
the first line of code. The learning curve would take time away
from learning how to program.

I am pretty new to programming, but not completely new. I took a Visual Basic class in high school years ago, and we used MS Visual Studio. I haven't done any programming since then.

The book doesn't have any compilers on the accompanying CD, and simply directs me to get any compiler. It does reference a website, www.thefreecountry.com, where free ones may be found, but it doesn't recommend any particular one. I checked that website and found it confusing.

[BigJ]

I am pretty new to programming, but not completely new. I took a Visual Basic class in high school years ago, and we used MS Visual Studio. I haven't done any programming since then.

The book doesn't have any compilers on the accompanying CD, and simply directs me to get any compiler. It does reference a website, www.thefreecountry.com, where free ones may be found, but it doesn't recommend any particular one. I checked that website and found it confusing.

I say this sincerely; I would start with a different book. You're going to need one that takes you from a crawl, to standing, to walking, to running. If your book is assuming you've got a development environment, know how to use it and how to compile, you're jumping right it at the standing stage. I'd be worried its going to assume you know other things you don't, and that's no way to learn.

For example: if your book's first example is not a "Hello World" program, you're starting with a book geared toward people with a programming background, and you're already at a disadvantage.