Microsoft Visual C++

Microsoft Visual C++ (often abbreviated as MSVC) is an integrated development environment (IDE) product from Microsoft for the C, C++, and C++/CLI programming languages. MSVC has tools for developing and debugging C++ code, especially code written for the Windows API, DirectX, and .NET Framework. It features tools for developing both desktop applications and web applications. Visual C++ is one component of the broader Visual Studio suite.

History

Microsoft introduced Visual C++ in 1993 as part of its Visual Studio suite. Over the years, it has gone through many versions, each improving on the last in terms of features, compatibility, and performance. The first version, 1.0, was intended to make Windows application development easier for C++ developers. Subsequent versions have added support for various Windows architectures and frameworks, including the introduction of managed code with .NET and the Windows Runtime with Windows 8.

Features

Visual C++ includes a code editor, a compiler, a linker, and a debugger. The IDE supports various types of applications, including Win32 console applications, Windows Forms applications, and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications. It also supports web development with ASP.NET.

One of the key features of Visual C++ is its compiler, which is highly optimized for performance and offers full support for C++11, C++14, and partial support for C++17 standards. The compiler can target x86, x64, and ARM architectures.

Visual C++ also integrates with the Microsoft Foundation Class Library (MFC), a set of classes that encapsulate the Windows API for C++ development, and the Active Template Library (ATL), which is used for developing COM objects.

Editions

Visual C++ is available in several editions, including Community, Professional, and Enterprise. The Community edition is free for individual developers, open-source projects, academic research, and small professional teams. The Professional and Enterprise editions offer more advanced features and tools for larger teams and organizations.

Extensions and Tools

Visual Studio, including Visual C++, supports extensions that add new features or integrate with other tools. Examples include Visual Assist, ReSharper for C++, and CodeMaid, which provide code refactoring, code analysis, and code cleanup capabilities.

Compatibility

Visual C++ applications require the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable to be installed on target systems. This package contains the runtime components of Visual C++ Libraries needed to run applications developed with Visual C++ on a computer that does not have Visual C++ installed.

Future Developments

Microsoft continues to invest in Visual C++, with updates that focus on improved standards compliance, performance, and support for the latest Windows APIs. Future versions are expected to further embrace modern C++ standards and provide better tools for developing high-performance and secure applications.

See Also

• C++
• Integrated development environment
• Microsoft Visual Studio
• .NET Framework
• Windows API