C/C++ frequently asked questions

[WingedPanther]

Assembly is a programming language that many languages are translated into before being turned into machine language. It is an extremely low-level programming language.

A compiler is a program that transforms a program from the code you read into machine language. Many compilers translate the programs into assembly as a middle step.

An IDE is an Integrated Development Environment. It's usually the combination of a text editor, front-end for the compiler, and front-end for the debugger. In some case, the IDE is also a RAD (Rapid Application Development) tool. Visual Studio supports this by letting you do drag and drop to design what an application will look like.

[Tonyg1]

I have a question, I have been learning C++ but basically just console programming. I was wondering if anyone can tell me of good books or tutorials on visual programming or windows programing, whatever you want to call it, like dialog boxes and windows, etc. Not sure where to look. Thanks

[WingedPanther]

C++ doesn't come with a GUI. There are many books available for the variety of GUI toolkits. You have to pick the toolkit first, however. Options include wxWidgets, QT, gtkmm, and many others.

[Tonyg1]

ahh ok thanks. I will look into those then.

[Shephard]

What is the best c compiler for windows?

[opwuaioc]

I have a question, I have been learning C++ but basically just console programming. I was wondering if anyone can tell me of good books or tutorials on visual programming or windows programing, whatever you want to call it, like dialog boxes and windows, etc. Not sure where to look. Thanks

Start with The Forger's Win32 Tutorial. It's a great place to begin if you're using Windows. If you're using Linux, then go with what WingedPanther said.

[WingedPanther]

The visual studio is pretty good/well reviewed. I like MinGW because I get a consistent interface between it and gcc on Linux.

[bootromy]

Thanks!

[bbqroast]

This is what I think they are:
IDE: Integrated Development Environment- A program like Code::Blocks with features such as guessing what your typing and instant "press of a button" compiling and running.
Compiler: A program such as MinGW that turns code such as C++ into computer language such as binary.
Assembler: A program that puts together code, libraries and other "includes" into one binary file.