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C++ tutorial: compilers
Computers don't speak C++
This is a very fundamental point. Computers work in numbers; high level languages
like C, C++, Java, etc., are designed for the convenience of people, not
computers. Beginning students often make the mistake of thinking that the computer
is directly processing the C/C++ program, when it isn't. The C/C++ compiler
is responsible for turning the program that you write into something the computer
can understand. That 'something' is called an executable, i.e., something
that can be executed by the computer. In the DOS/Windows world, exectables are usually
files ending in '.exe' These files contain no information that would make sense
to a human being; they are for the benefit of the computer. The files that you
will create, that contain C++ programs, will be converted by the compiler to
executables.
Modern 'compilers' do a lot more besides compile
A recent development in the programming field is the integrated develoment environment (IDE).
An IDE is a single piece of software that will carry out all the work necessary to
create an executable program, apart from writing it. The IDE allows the programmer
to create the program, edit it, compile it and run it. It may also have debugging
features, that help to track down errors in the program. When you get to building
large, complex programs, the IDE will help to manage the various components and
keep them up to date.
The individual steps of editing, compiling, linking (combining components of the
program), running and debugging can be carried out separately using different
pieces of software, and some people prefer to work this way. However, for
beginners, an IDE is strongly recommended.
Different compilers are available
A number of companies make C++ compilers; good products are available from Borland,
Microsoft and Watcomm, among others. On the whole it is a matter of personal
preference which one you use. For the purposes of this course, it will not make
any difference. The features we will be using are common to all C++ compilers.
When you come to write programs that take advantage of the features of a particular
operating system, like Microsoft Windows, and use sophisticated uer interface
features like windows, menus, list boxes, toolbars, etc., then the choice becomes
more complicated. You should seek expert advice when you get to this stage!
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