Hai

I have a three CD pack of Visual Studio.net.

I am a newcomer to PC programming.

I am learning Visual C++ for my own application development,and Visual C++ from Visual Studio 6 is presently I am using.

But as more new tools and features are incorporated in .net versions(So I am told) ,I would like to use and learn Visual C++.net.

I have Visual C++ EXpress Edition downloaded from Microsoft(In a CD).

Can I install only Visual C++.net from the three CD pack of Visual Studio .net?

Or is Visual C++.net is same as Visual C++ Express edition which I have downloaded?

Actually my applications are limited to controlling devices connected to serial parellel or USB ports and data accusition systems. So is their any substatntial benifit if I switch over to .net?

Please suggest
picstudent

My advice - don't learn vc++ .net but (vc# or vb .net) it is much more easier and practical. I am working with .net for about 2 years and not have I met one person who practices vc++ .net.
VS Express is a demo ( sort of speak) and lacks a lot of good features, if you have not Express edition - install it.
In setup you can choose custom installation and out on you computer what ever you want, suggestion install all languages except maybe VJ# ( java programmers prefer Sun or Borland IDE cause they are cross platform). If you continue working with the framework you will find yourself using all of those languages ( but not VC++ .net :-) )

Picstudent,

I would have to agree in part that Visual C++ will be hard for a new programmers and it not often a good choice for a beginner. Although it is totally up to you as it may just come easy to you. Visual Basic is a good choice as it is easier to understand and is still powerful.

Now on the Express Editions although the Express are lightweight and do lack some of the features found on higher-end version and although it may in some terms be a demo it is still a very good choice, it will never expire and it can also be use for commercial uses you own what you create in them. I have download and use all of them before I got the standard edition and they were very helpful in learning and as said by Microsoft:

"The Express Editions are an expansion of the Visual Studio and SQL Server product line to include lightweight, easy-to-use, and easy-to-learn tools for hobbyists, students, and novice developers."

Now for a down side, the reason that I got the standard edition was because I'm working with C++ and some of the Libraries that I wanted to use were not part of the Express Edition mainly the MFC library. But normally while you’re learning you may not need these. In any case using the express editions will say you money and over all give you a lot to do.

Now with this question I'm not sure I understand

This three CD pack is that the Express Edition of C++?
In any case remember that Visual C++ 6 is different then Visual C++ .NET and that the Visual C++ Express Edition is different than both as the Express Edition is Visual C++ 2005, not to sound confusing 2005 is still .NET but it's no longer in the title. The reason I say this is if you go out and buy Visual C++ .NET from a store it will be different than Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition you have as this is a newer edition and as far as I know Microsoft doesn't sell just Visual C++ 2005 but you have to buy Visual Studios. Although this works out good because you give it all and for just a little more than you would pay for just Visual C++ .NET.

I hope this has helped and if you have any more question please just ask and I will do my best to answer what I know.

PCXGamer

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