If I use Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition is it C++.Net?

I want to learn C++ and have downloaded Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition. I already use Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition which is Visual Basic.Net so is it C++.Net and if so can you reccomend a good free C++ complier.

If I use Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition is it C++.Net?
Yes, it is a compiler for .NET applications. It can also compile for the native Win32 platform but first you must download the Platform SDK from the Microsoft page shown in my Sources section.





You can also get the free Gnu C++ compiler (also see Sources section.) Both compilers are good quality in my opinion. It depends where you think you're going. If you want to gain expertise with Visual Studio, and you think you'll eventually be using the expensive professional version at work, then go with the Microsoft product. Choose the Gnu product if you think you might be using multiple platforms in the future, especially Linux, and portability is important to you. Also, consider joining ACCU, the Association of C and C++ Users - it's for people of all levels of experience.
Reply:You can get Microsoft Visual C++ free from Microsoft but not Visual Studio. The compilers are in Microsoft SDK and DDK (maybe not all varieties). I got Microsoft Platform SDK for Windows Server 2003 SP1 for the 64 bit and 32 bit compilers and 64 bit assembler and DDK for 32 bit compiler and assembler. With no Visual Studio, the compilers/assemblers can be run via command line options.