C/C++ Programming 1  /  C/C++ Programming 2
Ray Mitchell

C/C++ Compilers

For C-only programs virtually any C or C++ compiler is acceptable.  For C++ programs, however, it is recommended that you use a C++ compiler that implements the ISO/IEC 14882 language standard (released in 1998), since significant changes to the language occurred prior to this.

Equal in importance to which compiler you obtain is that you know how to use it.  Documentation should be readily available and easily understood, but don't expect hard copy documentation with most compilers.  Also, consider the help you might be able to get from your coworkers or classmates if you use the same compiler they do.  Many compilers are available free or at a discount as either full versions or reduced capability "academic" versions.

Compiler Sources

The most popular compilers for Windows operating systems are those from Microsoft, while free GNU compilers are also popular and are available for several major operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.  Microsoft currently offers a free "express" version of their current Visual Studio C/C++ Compiler.  Many compilers and IDEs are listed here, here, and on the Free Development Environments site.  To purchase compilers check the UCSD Bookstore and the SDSU Bookstore as well as online "academic software" retailers for bargains.

Microsoft Visual C++ 5.0 and 6.0 Bug Fixes

Microsoft produces one of the more popular C/C++ compilers for the Windows OS but, as with any compiler, bugs are inevitable.  Check out  http://www.dinkumware.com/vc_fixes.html to obtain free fixes for some of the header files supplied with the older Microsoft Visual C++ v5.0 and v6.0 compilers.  Among the fixes are those involving both the "getline" member function and the "getline" template function.