
In addition to the old-fashioned presentation of a project as a collection of source files, you are now provided with two new ways of looking at a project. It also offers integrated access to the Visual C++ help system and other media titles, such as the Microsoft Developer Library.įor those of us familiar with earlier versions of Visual C++, perhaps the most striking new feature in Version 4 is the new project workspace window (Figure 1.2).įigure 1.2. The Developer Studio offers a series of interfaces for projects, source files, resource file components and a series of tools for building, running, and testing applications.

In the second half of the chapter, we examine the use of Visual C++ command-line tools. In this chapter, we begin our tour of Visual C++ by reviewing the Developer Studio and its basic features. In some cases, such as when compiling simple test programs, it is actually easier to do than to use the graphical interface.

This new Developer Studio (Figure 1.1) sports a much-improved source editor, an excellent resource editor, an integrated help system, project build options, and access to other integrated components such as the AppWizard, the ClassWizard, the integrated debugger, and the profiler.Īlthough the Developer Studio represents the interface of choice for accessing the features of Visual C++, the C/C++ compiler and other components of the development system can also be used from the command line.

It offers a variety of features, provides access to most Visual C++ development system components, and also provides a front end for other Microsoft development products, such as Microsoft Test, Microsoft SourceSafe, or the Developer Library CD-ROM. The Visual C++ Developer Studio application is the centerpiece of the Visual C++ development system. 1 Visual C++ and the Developer Studio.
