What developing program should I use

Visual C++ is part of the Visual Studio toolsuite.

If you using Visual C++ 2005 Express, you get a free IDE with free compiler and all. Basically everythign you need to start out with.

Toolmaker

Well, since Visual Studios 2008 isn't out yet (has it even been announced yet?), I highly doubt that it's the most used developing program.

As much as it pains me to say this, Visual Studios 6 is probably the most used developing program. That doesn't mean that it's worth the money it takes to download a pirated version. Visual Studios 2005 is *far* better and there's a free version.

As for the difference between Visual C++ and Visual Studios, Visual C++ is a part of Visual Studios. VS is a 'programming suite' that lets you use many languages such as C++, C#, J#, VB.net, and ASP.net. Visual C++ is the compiler and IDE portion of VS that works with C++.

But when it comes down to it, does it matter what's the most popular? The most popular web browser is Internet Explorer 6, and we know how well that goes. In the end, just go with VC++ 2005 Express Edition (the free version) if you don't want to break the bank and are developing C++ in a Windows environment.

It depends on what you know and what you want to do.

If you want to develop games under C++ and DirectX/OpenGL or some such other API, 2005 is a good choice, because I've never even heard of a 2008 version yet. Plus 2005 is free, which is always nice.

Although, it's important to note that Visual Studio is not a 'game making program'. If you want one of them, download Game Maker or RPG Maker or FPS Maker or whatever else exists now.

You can make games with it, but it is not specifically designed for making games.

VC2005 is the best IMHO because it has a good IDE and fantastic debugging tools. That goes for 2003 as well. The 2005 Express Edition is free, and its one of the better free IDE's IMO. If you don't want to use Visual c++, then there is always:

• Dev C++: http://www.bloodshed.net/download.html
  
• GNU/GCC: http://gcc.gnu.org/
  
• Code::Blocks: http://www.codeblocks.org/ <-- you will need a compiler for this such as gnu.
  
• Quincy 2005: http://www.codecutter.net/tools/quincy/
  

Those are just 4, but I know there are many more. Like I said though, VC2005, and 2003 have a fantastic interface and debugging tools, so I recommend it over any.

Quote:

Original post by Ezbez Well, since Visual Studios 2008 isn't out yet (has it even been announced yet?)

Visual Studio Orcas, is due out late 2007/early 2008. You can find the Express editions available here. Not that I'd recommend using them for a newbie, but that does kinda answer your question. Some more info available here.

Isn't it possible to make games with Visual Studio? I didn't know that .. What's best program to use when making games then, that's my new question..