C++ Builder 6 or C++ Builder X ?

[Large]

I have just started C++ at college on a HNC level, we are using Borland C++ Builder 5, what the difference between Builder 6 and Builder X ?

I want to download a trial of the latest version similiar to what we are using at college, is one better or newer than the other, I really only want the personal edition at the moment is their a big price difference, please let me know ?

Edited February 22, 2005 by Large

[Large]

Also if I choose Visual C++, as in Microsoft's Express Editions can I make this compile programs so that it does not rely on the .net framework, I was reading you could if you install the SP2 SDK.

Could someone please explain if this is possible and how I would go about it ?

Any help much appreciated. :)

[+virtorio MVC]

There is no similarity between C++Builder and C++Builder X (which is designed for cross platform development).

If you are using C++Builder to make Windows Applications (not dos/Win32 console applications) you will be using a VCL (Visual Component Library) which is a large set of classes (comparable with the Microsoft.NET classes, and Microsoft seems to have ?borrowed? some of the ideas/concepts from the VCL, or it seems that way to me anyway) that wraps the Windows API.

There are few differences between C++Builder 5 and 6. There are a few more Components (classes) (database components mostly) and a few minor adjustments to the IDE.

C++BuilderX does not contain the VCL, it would seem Borland have discontinued it (last time I looked into it they had anyway). You have to pay for C++Builder 6 Personal, C++BuilderX Personal is free (but pointless in my opinion).

As for your Visual C++ question. I haven't used Visual C++ 2005, but you should be able to create Win32/MFC applications that don't require the .NET framework. Note also, Visual C++ doesn't have to VCL.

[Ultra Frosty]

Also if I choose Visual C++, as in Microsoft's Express Editions can I make this compile programs so that it does not rely on the .net framework, I was reading you could if you install the SP2 SDK.

Could someone please explain if this is possible and how I would go about it ?

Any help much appreciated. :)

585518540[/snapback]

Tools -> Options -> Directories. Change them to the ones for the Platform SDK.

[azcodemonkey]

Also if I choose Visual C++, as in Microsoft's Express Editions can I make this compile programs so that it does not rely on the .net framework, I was reading you could if you install the SP2 SDK.

Could someone please explain if this is possible and how I would go about it ?

Any help much appreciated. :)

585518540[/snapback]

I think there are projects for Win32 native programs. It doesn't come with MFC or ATL support.

This gives you a process for using the Platform SDK with the Express edition.

http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/express/visu...dk/default.aspx

[Large]

Oh, wow thanks guys !

Is their any language differences between Microsoft C++ Express and Borland C++ Builder 6 ?

If not then I could simply change the directories and use the free Microsoft beta instead of having to buy Borland !

Also sorry to sound stupid but what does MFC and ATL mean ?

[mdsalih]

MFC = MS foundation classes

ATL = Active template Library

MdSalih

[azcodemonkey]

Oh, wow thanks guys !

Is their any language differences between Microsoft C++ Express and Borland C++ Builder 6 ?

If not then I could simply change the directories and use the free Microsoft beta instead of having to buy Borland !

Also sorry to sound stupid but what does MFC and ATL mean ?

585521983[/snapback]

There are extensions to the C/C++ languages in both. Language extension with MS usually are prefixed with two underscores(e.g. __finally). If I remember correctly, Borland prefixes are the same, but they extend different things. Of course, the core C/C++ languages are the same. Both compilers are mostly compliant with the standards, with an edge to MS.

MFC = Microsoft Foundation Class, which is a rich set of classes for building native Window's apps.

ATL = Active Template Library is a set of C++ templates that enable easier COM development.

[Large]

Thanks Guys ! :)