What are the different versions of c++ and how to know which one is suitable for what purpose?

Question

I have learned vc++ followed by mfc. Now there is this other version of c++/cli which is for.net

Additionally there are different versions of c++ 11, 14, 17.

Why is there no clear distinction between all of these versions.

I have read c++ Standard template library.

Now again there is a different stl version for each c++ versions.

Answer 1

You can see different features added in each version here: https://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp

The general answer is they are all suitable for all the same things that C++ is suitable for. People will disagree, but overall you would use them for the same things, the newer versions just add newer features that are "nice" but not required to do any task.

Answer 2

Yes. I am quite satisfied with DClyde's answer.

C++/ CLI is the variant of C++ that runs in the .NET environment, and you can use it, along with other languages such as C#, to create rich desktop applications.

C++ 17 & 20 have some new features included.

There is a great book to learn the new features of c++ 17 & 20:

Expert C++: Become a proficient programmer by learning coding best practices with C++17 and C++20's latest features.

I think DClyde deserves to clear the confusion and has answered the question with proved article that is really handy.

Thanks buddy.