Compilers

DJGPP

This is a 32-Bit DOS compiler.

The up-side is that its free . Both the compiler and the IDE.

The down-side is that its DOS only. Not really much of a down-side if all you want is DOS programs anyhow. :) Plus I have heard of people writing Win32 code with it so I guess theres not much of a barrier.

If you like DOS programming but dont like the memory and/or graphics limitations than this is the compiler for you. DJGPP has a wonderful memory extender (32-Bit. Gee!) that allows you to access memory far beyond what you can using, say, Borlands Turbo C++. It also comes with Allegro; A graphics library. I've never used Allegro but I know it to be quite good.

Borland Builder (5.5)

This is a Win32 and Linux compiler

The up-side is that you can download the Command-Line-Compiler for free a nd hook up your own IDE (like VIDE ). The compiler is slightly more optomized than Microsofts compiler.

The only down-side is that its less user friendly than VC for DirectX compatability.

If you like OpenGL over DirectX then VC doesnt really have anything to offer you. VC is set up for DirectX where Builder is not pre-designed for either. It uses DirectX just fine (as far as I'm concerned) and does OpenGL just as well.

Bloodshed Dev

This is a Win32 compiler

Dev-C is free . It is a full featured IDE with a Mingw port of GCC as its compiler. It supports using any other GCC compiler. It is also an open source project under the GNU GPL.

As I dont own Dev-C I can comment on its reliability or features. From reading the bloodshed homepage its list of features looks impressive enough. It may have a few issues with sticking to the ANSI standard, but every compiler does.

Basically, its free, it does Win32, it looks professional, and it comes packaged with both IDE and a compiler (something Borland Builder does not). Quite likely the best compiler if you're not planning on developing DirectX or OpenGL or dont feel like blowing a wad of cash.

Visual C++ (6.0)

This is a Win32 compiler

The up-side is that VC is set up to provide easy use of DirectX. MS likes to support their own products and ignore everyone else so DX is much harder to use on other compilers.

The down-side is that you have to buy it. MS never gives anything away for free. I have heard of an Introductory Edition that is super-cheap but you get what you pay for. The Standard Edition costs $129 (approx) after rebate.

If you want DirectX then this is your compiler. Its called Visual C++ but its not really a visual enviroment. Its pretty much a standard IDE as far as I can tell. One thing that I'll say for sure is that it makes keeping track of your projects resources, includes, and files very easy.

Summary

I know this is pretty brief but I hope it helps out the beginners who are trying to muddle through all this for the first time. Anyone who has comments that they thinks should be made, please dont hesitate to say so. If you want to add more compilers: Please e-mail lightatdawn@lycos.com .

I hope this makes the point that one compiler is not "better" than another. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish.