Visual C++: Guide to Development, Libraries, and Redistributables

Wondering what Microsoft Visual C++ is and why companies use it? This article is for you. We’ll discuss the distinction between C++ and Visual C++, which versions are supported (and which you should use for a new project), and what the Visual C++ Redistributable is. Scroll down for additional Visual C++ programming resources.

What Is Microsoft Visual C++?

You may know C++ is object-oriented. It is not a different language, Visual C++. However, it is a suite of C++ libraries and development tools that let you construct Windows desktop and server programs, UWP projects for desktop, mobile, HoloLens, and .NET applications using C++. Microsoft Visual Studio includes Visual C++. Visual Studio is a sophisticated code editor with numerous valuable capabilities for navigating big codebases. Visual C++ includes a C++ compiler and related libraries and tools.

Why Choose Microsoft Visual C++ Over C++?

LEGO fans appreciate swiftly making something fresh with LEGO bits. Reusing pre-built pieces lets you prototype rapidly and learn what works. It also lets you focus on what you like, like the LEGO masterpiece’s look.

Visual C++ is like having several LEGO pre-built kits. Writing a Windows desktop software requires creating an interface and modeling many user interactions. Like building the Starship Enterprise using LEGO bricks, doing it in plain C++ would require starting from scratch. Visual C++ has numerous reusable components for constructing interfaces and reading JSON configs, which speeds up development—like having a spacecraft cabin and engines pre-built in LEGO. Visual C++ only works on Windows platforms (including UWP); therefore, if you want to develop code across operating systems, use standard C++ with cross-platform libraries.

What Are Visual C++ Software Libraries?

We know that Microsoft Visual C++ Studio programs include C++ redistributable libraries. So, what are software libraries? Programmers don’t have to hand-code many typical application methods and actions. Software libraries contain pre-written computer code that developers may use to complete tasks. This speeds up and standardizes software development. The developer cannot copy and paste the code into their program since the software libraries belong to Microsoft. Redistributable lets the program utilize the user’s computer’s libraries.

Why Choose Visual C++ Redistributable?

A close look will reveal that C++ redistributable installs have various names. Different version numbers and years will appear in their titles. Because Microsoft Visual Studio updates. The standard software libraries in each version are also affected. An application created in a particular Visual Studio version requires the redistributable library.

Also, redistributables are not cumulative. They don’t have all the libraries of previous versions. Some older libraries will be discarded or altered, making them incompatible with newer versions. If cumulative, the redistributable would grow with time and be hard to maintain. When installing a new program that requires a new distribution, check if the library has already been installed. If not, it’s added. A computer application formerly needed all of the entries you see.

Should I Remove Any?

They shared redistributable libraries. So, several programs utilize the same standard library installation. A program will install missing libraries but not remove them when uninstalled. That’s because another program may have been installed that uses those libraries. Avoid deleting Visual C++ redistributables since it may halt several apps on your machine. It seems pointless to change your typical library file ecosystem when they take up so tiny size and are so widely utilized.

What Is Visual C++ PurposeC++’sredit-Coding Ninjas

Visual C++ libraries are only for Windows or Universal Windows Platform applications. Windows is utilized in numerous fields, including healthcare, education, and finance, hence Visual C++ is primarily used there. The 2019 StackOverflow Developer Survey found that over half of respondents develop on Windows. Even though this number covers cross-platform apps that run on Windows and other operating systems, it indicates how ubiquitous Windows development is in business. Windows is also on desktop, mobile, embedded, and IoT devices in automotive, insurance, energy, manufacturing, retail services, media, entertainment, and telecoms. Many organizations in these areas use Visual C++ to speed up Windows development.

Visual C++ versions

Microsoft supports the following Visual C++ versions:

• Visual Studio 2010 (VC++ 10.0)
• Visual Studio 2012, VC++ 11.0
• Visual Studio 2013 12.0 VC++
• Visual Studio 2015 (C++)
• Visual Studio 2017 (C++)
• Visual Studio 2019 (C++)

If you’re looking for the best Visual C++ version for your needs, you may want the latest version because it supports newer C++ standards and has more features out of the box. Visual Studio installs Visual C++ development environments. You may install numerous Visual Studio IDE versions side by side to use various Visual C++ versions. The Visual C++ 2015, 2017, and 2019 Redistributable libraries are similar, so you need one to use them.

How to master Visual C++?

Mastering Visual C++ involves a comprehensive understanding of the C++ programming language and the Microsoft Visual Studio IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach mastering Visual C++:

1. Learn C++ Fundamentals:

Before diving into Visual C++, ensure you have a solid grasp of the C++ programming language.

This includes understanding:

• Basic syntax: Variables, data types, operators, control structures (if, switch, loops), functions, classes, and objects.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and abstraction.
• Memory management: Pointers, dynamic memory allocation (new/delete), memory leaks, and smart pointers.
• Standard Template Library (STL): Containers (vectors, lists, maps, etc.), algorithms, and iterators.

2. Get Familiar with Visual Studio:

Visual Studio is a powerful IDE for C++ development.

Familiarize yourself with its features:

• Installation: Download and install the latest version of Visual Studio.
• Workspace: Understand the layout of the IDE, including solution explorer, code editor, properties window, and output window.
• Project Management: Learn how to create, open, and manage projects/solutions.
• Debugging: Master debugging tools like breakpoints, watch windows, call stack, and debugging symbols.
• Version Control: Explore integrated version control systems like Git within Visual Studio.

3. Practice Regularly:

• Coding Challenges: Solve C++ coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal to sharpen your skills.
• Projects: Work on personal or open-source projects to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience.
• Code Review: Participate in code reviews by reviewing others’ code or having your code reviewed by peers or mentors.

4. Deep Dive into C++ Features:

• Templates: Understand template classes and functions for generic programming.
• Concurrency: Learn about threading, synchronization primitives, and libraries like std::thread and std::mutex.
• Standard Library Extensions: Explore additional libraries like <filesystem>, <chrono>, <regex>, etc.
• Advanced Techniques: Study advanced C++ topics like move semantics, lambda expressions, and variadic templates.

5. Explore Visual C++ Specifics:

• Windows API: Understand how to interact with the Windows operating system using WinAPI functions.
• MFC (Microsoft Foundation Class): Explore Microsoft’s framework for building Windows applications using C++.
• DirectX: If you’re interested in game development or graphics programming, learn about DirectX for C++.
• CLI/C++ (Common Language Infrastructure): Explore the capability to develop managed applications using C++.

6. Utilize Online Resources:

• Documentation: Refer to official documentation provided by Microsoft for Visual C++ and related libraries.
• Tutorials: Follow online tutorials and video courses on C++ programming and Visual Studio.
• Forums and Communities: For guidance and assistance, participate in forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit (r/cpp), or the Microsoft Developer Community.

7. Read Books:

• C++ Programming Language: Read authoritative books like “The C++ Programming Language” by Bjarne Stroustrup.
• Visual C++ Development: Explore books specifically focused on Visual C++ development and best practices.

8. Stay Updated:

• Latest Features: Keep yourself updated with the latest features introduced in C++ and Visual Studio.
• Community Events: Attend conferences, workshops, and meetups related to C++ programming and Visual Studio.

9. Continuous Improvement:

• Feedback: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities to improve your coding style and practices.
• Code Refactoring: Regularly refactor your code to improve readability, performance, and maintainability.
• Learning Resources: Continuously expand your knowledge by exploring new libraries, tools, and techniques.

10. Build Real-World Applications:

• Industry Experience: Gain real-world experience by working on internships, freelance projects, or contributing to open-source projects.
• Problem Solving: Solve real-world problems using C++ and Visual Studio, focusing on efficiency and scalability.

Mastering Visual C++ is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and continuous learning. Start with a strong foundation in C++, familiarize yourself with Visual Studio, practice regularly, explore advanced features, utilize online resources, stay updated with the latest developments, and continuously improve your skills through real-world application and feedback. Mastering any programming language or tool takes time and effort, so stay persistent and keep coding!

Summary

This article defines Visual C++, compares it to C++, and discusses the industries where Visual C++ code is most common. We also discussed the Visual C++ Redistributable and why it occasionally sparks online debates.

FAQs

Can I build non-Windows apps using Visual C++?

Visual C++ is meant for Windows programming, however, Microsoft is supporting cross-platform development. Visual Studio Code and the Linux Microsoft C++ Compiler support Visual C++.

How does MSVC runtime affect Visual C++ applications?

The Microsoft Visual C++ runtime libraries provide fundamental functions and services for C++ programs. Application developers link these libraries statically or include them as redistributable packages.

Does Visual C++ work with other languages?

Visual C++ is meant for C++ development, while Visual Studio supports C#, F#, and Visual Basic.

Can I make games with Visual C++?

Visual C++ is popular for game development, especially with DirectX. Many game development frameworks and engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity, include Visual C++.