Description:
Visual C++ .NET is the most flexible of Microsoft's languages. The compiler primarily targets native-code Windows executables, but a switch also enables compilation to MSIL (Microsoft intermediate language). This managed code runs on the .NET Framework's common language runtime, with full access to the Framework's class library. Developers can include both managed and unmanaged code in the same project: the compiler does the necessary internal translation automatically. This feature is particularly valuable for those with existing applications that cannot be ported all at once to the .NET platform. The Visual C++ .NET product consists of an IDE, class libraries, compiler, and tools. The compiler in the Standard edition is nonoptimizing, so professional developers may prefer Visual Studio .NET Professional or higher. The key libraries are the MFC (Microsoft Foundation Classes), which wrap the Windows API, and the ATL (Active Template Library), for efficient development of COM or ActiveX components. In addition, the bundled .NET Framework SDK has command-line compilers for Visual Basic, JScript, and Visual C#, and you can also compile C# from the IDE. Despite its managed extensions, Visual C++ .NET does not support the Windows Forms designer or the Web Forms designer, although there is a visual dialog editor for native Windows applications. The two big changes in Visual C++ .NET, when compared to Visual C++ 6.0, are support for the .NET Framework and a brand-new IDE. There are minor updates to MFC and ATL, and the ability to do COM programming using attributes is a strong feature. The Standard C++ Library is updated in this version, with improved standards compliance for those building portable applications, although Visual C++ .NET is still not the best in this respect. On the other hand, it excels as a tool for building Windows applications and components, where its huge flexibility compensates for the lack of a visual form designer. The Visual C++ IDE is outstanding, although you need to double the minimum system requirements for good performance, and note that it does not run on Windows 98 or Me. Online help is now fully integrated into the main workspace, wizards have been streamlined, and the XML designer will be useful even to those not working with the .NET Framework. --Tim Anderson, Amazon.co.uk
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