Help choosing compiler!

[IMANOOB11]

Hello, everyone.
I am ready to get back into c, but I am done using visual c++ express.
Why? Because it seems to me that the express edition is just for beginning noobs.
I was looking to buy the full visual c++, but i found that it i 300$.
I want a free, commercial compiler.
I know i wont be selling my programs any time soon, but It just seems inprofessional to use one of those limiting compilers, and plus, I want to get used to my compiler.
Can somebody recommend one?

I was thinking of code blocks but i just tried that and its all confusing, and i heard stuff about using the sdk in commercial programs or some other stuff, Its just too confusing.
Anyways...
I need suggestions, thanks.

[dandymcgee]

There's nothing wrong with the express edition unless your working on a large, high-demand commercial product. It is by far the best IDE you'll find for Windows, use it. I've been programming in C++ for 4-5 years now, and have never found it to limit what I could accomplish.

If you come up with a legitimate reason (other than "it's for n00bs") for not using Visual Studio, let me know and I'll go over the inferior alternatives with you.

[IMANOOB11]

Can you just give me some other ones?
I feel safer NOT using it.

[X Abstract X]

Can you just give me some other ones?
I feel safer NOT using it.

I've never recommended this before but, I think Dev-C++ might be a good choice for you then. *quiet laugh*

[wearymemory]

Compiler and Debugger, IDE, or all three ready in one application?

[dandymcgee]

Can you just give me some other ones?
I feel safer NOT using it.

I've never recommended this before but, I think Dev-C++ might be a good choice for you then. *quiet laugh*

No, seriously though, there does not exist an alternative that compares as far as quality goes.

The only other two I know of:

Dev-C++ (development stopped 5 years ago, the project is dead but you can still download the leftovers) This was my first IDE.
Code::Blocks (an active project, updated occasionally) I used this for the first 2-3 years I programmed.
After Code::Blocks I switched to Visual Studio and have been using it ever since.

Each time I swapped out my IDE for a new one my main goal was to upgrade to something better. Therefore I feel as if these are quite accurately listed in order of quality lowest to highest.

The best alternative to VS would be a gcc/gdb environment on Linux. If you have access to a Linux/Unix OS, and are comfortable devving on such a system, this is most definitely not a bad way to go. It is however, more complicated than VS and as such requires more advanced knowledge to utilize properly.

[IMANOOB11]

no, not dev c++...
Actually i might re consider code blocks, but can somebody tell me what the whole thing with using code blocks source code or whatever?

I mean, i heard code blocks is commercially free, but if you use the source code of code blocks then you have to release the source code...
ex:

"I believe that the only restriction on the GPL is that if you develop a (presumably IDE) program by basing your source code on that of Code::Blocks, you would have to release the source code for your own IDE (keep in mind, this wouldn't prevent you from selling the binaries)."

"
Certainly. However, if you are using parts of C::B that are under GPL in your own programs / commercial applications you are forced to release the source code of these components, too."

What does this mean? What source cde of c::B are they talking abou

[X Abstract X]

You answered your own question with:

"I mean, i heard code blocks is commercially free, but if you use the source code of code blocks then you have to release the source code..."

You don't have to worry about the specifics of the license unless you actually plan on using Code::Blocks' source code.

[IMANOOB11]

I know, but how do you USE c::b's source code..
I dont get what that means..

[IMANOOB11]

I know, but how do you USE c::b's source code..
I dont get what that means..

What do they mean when i say "unless you use c::b's source code"
I dont get what they mean use the source code..

[mv2112]

I know, but how do you USE c::b's source code..
I dont get what that means..

What do they mean when i say "unless you use c::b's source code"
I dont get what they mean use the source code..

If you incorporate the codeblocks source code in your product, you would have to release the source code. This means that if you modify or create a new IDE based on the codeblocks source code, you would have to give out the source code due to the GPL. However, if your just using codeblocks as an IDE and not the source code itself, you should be fine.

[IMANOOB11]

BUT what do you mean the C:B source code, how would you include the C:B source code in your project, i dont get that.
Do you mean the code of the compiler/ide its self?

[avansc]

xcode, it is a completely free commercial quality IDE.

[MrDeathNote]

xcode, it is a completely free commercial quality IDE.

What if he doesn't have a mac?

[avansc]

I said free, not cross platform.