Release of Microsoft C/C++ 7.0

Microsoft's last C/C++ compiler suite before the 'Visual' era, it offered a character-mode debugger (CodeView) and an editor, but still largely a command-line experience for compilation and linking.

Significance

This was the immediate precursor, providing the C/C++ compiler foundation that would be integrated into the first Visual C++ product. It showed Microsoft's commitment to C++ before the visual revolution.