Any modern C++ compiler is acceptable for MCIS 4135, Introduction to Programming and C++.
There are 3 choices at no cost to the student, and the bookstore provides deep discounts on the most popular versions vended.
Nothing in the course is tied to one particular operating system, or any experimental or non-standard vendor-provided feature .
Compilers of interest, and a small bit of information about each is provided in the table below.
| Compiler name | Where to get it | Cost | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borland C++ Builder | DU Bookstore order | About $100 | This is a good compiler and integrated development environment (IDE)
for beginning students, and error messages are clearer than some.
This environment is used by professional programmers as well.
This same environment is available under Linux Borland also sells this suite in "Enterprise Edition" versions, which provide servlet containers and support, and various middleware alternatives, as well as some excellent productivity tools Note that there is a free version of the C++ compiler (version 5.5) that is sufficient for MCIS-4135 that is free for download from Borland. It is restrictive in expanding beyond basic C++, and lacks some of the extensive IDE tools (See Borland.com). The low cost of the integrated development environment version makes that the more attractive. |
| Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition | Downloadable from Microsoft | Free, but you must register it | This compiler is fine for MCIS4135 in Microsoft Windows Note: As this will transfer hundreds of megabytes, this requires a high-speed internet connection. Contact the instructor if this is a problem for you. |
| Microsoft Visual C++ | DU Bookstore stock | About $100 | This is a good compiler and integrated development environment (IDE)
for beginning students.
This environment is used by professional programmers as well.
This environment comes in Visual Studio .Net with
a number of other languages and tools approriate for Microsoft Windows integration Every extension or vendor tool in the Windows environment targets integration with this platform, making it the best choice for a student embarking on a Windows-centric programming career. |
| GNU C++ | Often pre-loaded on Unix and Linux computers, as well as on Macintosh computers | No Cost | This compiler is usually installed with a development suite The compiler name is g++ or c++. The compiler comes with no IDE, so the student must be proficient with a Unix text editor (e.g., vi or emacs) and be comfortable with command-line tool use. Alternatively, the student may use the xcode IDE on the Macintosh, or the Eclipse IDE on Unix, Linux, Windows, or Mac platforms. Details can be found in the compiler reference |
| Cygwin C++ | Part of www.cygwin.org's Cygwin environment | No Cost | This is really another way of getting the GNU C++ compiler, but running in a Windows environment.
This compiler is accessible with no cost to the student.
The compiler name is g++ or c++.
The compiler comes with no IDE. The student should obtain a programming text editor
(e.g., the no-cost gvim or JASSPE's microemacs), and be comfortable with command-line tool
use via Command Prompt. Alternatively, the student may use the xcode IDE on the Macintosh, or the Eclipse IDE on Unix, Linux, Windows, or Mac platforms. Details can be found in the compiler reference |