How is Visual C++ and VB different

[ian_hayse@compusa.com]

I have no clue what the dif is.

[Vlatko]

Well there is a lot of difference. The common thing is that they are IDE's for different programming languages (C++ & VB). I assume you are refering to the difference between the languages and not the IDE's. C++ is more powerful then VB, has more capabilities. The difference can not be said in just a couple of sentences.

[Vlatko]

I think that it would be best for you to go to Microsoft's site and see what they differ in.

[HarryW]

Uhh... hmm well there are a lot of differences but a lot of similarities. Both are procedural languages. Both are used for Windows programming (although C++ isn't limited to Windows). Both are compiled languages (except VB is still interpreted a little). I guess that's relly where the similarities end.

You need to be clear on one thing though - Visual C++ is not a language. C++ is a language. Visual C++ is just the compiler and development environment that Microsoft produces. The language itself is nothing to do with Microsoft, and nothing to do with Windows, except you can use it to make Windows apps.

So, the differences. C++ is lower level than VB, which means it's more like machine code than VB is. It is generally more complex, very strongly typed, and fully supports object oriented architectures. It is generally faster and compiles to smaller executables. Plain C++ doesn't require any runtimes (DLLs) in order for its executables to work, although you can use libraries like MFC which do require runtimes. C++ has bitshifting, VB doesn't. VB allows you to develop interfaces more rapidly than C++. C++ code is proably harder to read, although if you're used to C++ more than VB then C++ would probably be easier.

Jeez, this is quite a question. I'd suggest you look in the FAQ.

[ian_hayse@compusa.com]

Thank you people for your answers.

I will stick with VB
then move on to C++

[Megatron]

Another thing is that C++ invloves much more typing, and virtually no visual designing. For example, in VB, you design the GUI visually, but in C++, you'll have to type it.

VB's main advantages over C++ is that it's easy to learn, it's strong for databases, and it can develop applications much quicker than C++.

[Zaei]

Actually, VB generally creates smaller executables, but thats because most of the things used in that executable are encased in 2.5 megs of runtime DLLs. C++ compiles to fairly large executables (easily 500K for a medium sized project), but smaller distribution sizes.

Z.