Alternative C++ Compilers?

Question

I want to start learning C++, so I downloaded Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express, and the entire application freezes and crashes every time I try to compile (debug and release build) something (I have tried running it in Admin Mode). Is there a good alternative compiler that I could still use VS 2010 as the IDE?

Answer 1

I am not sure why it crashes for you. But there are lots of C++ compilers out there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_compilers#C.2FC.2B.2B_compilers

And there is a thread below to use GCC with Visual Studio

GCC with Visual Studio?

Answer 2

if its crashing, I would think its more likely the ide is crashing, not the compiler.

you can use the compiler from the command line as per http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms235639(VS.80).aspx

Answer 3

1. NO! There is no other compiler that plugs into VS2010 or VS anything else. Each version of VS is tightly tied to its corresponding version of the Microsoft compiler.

As an alternative, how about:

1. VirtualBox
2. Linux
3. g++, perhaps enhanced with Eclipse / C++ for an IDE.

Cost: $0.

Answer 4

If you want something with IDE, I would suggest g++, Eclipse and CDT plugins. Works quite well.

You can use g++ on command line if you are comfortable that way.

Answer 5

How about bloodshed dev-cpp. It supports cygwin and mingw.

Answer 6

Eclipse for C ++