Visual C++

Visual C++ is Microsoft's integrated development environment (IDE) and toolchain for the C++ programming language, primarily targeting Windows platforms. It includes a powerful C++ compiler, debugger, extensive libraries like MFC and ATL, and a feature-rich IDE designed for efficient native…

Key facts

First appeared: 1993
Category: technology
Problem solved: Visual C++ was created to provide an integrated, graphical, and highly productive development environment for C++ programmers, specifically addressing the complexities of building applications for Microsoft Windows with rich graphical user interfaces and leveraging native system performance.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows (target), Microsoft Windows (development host), Universal Windows Platform (UWP) (target), Linux (via WSL and cross-compilation toolchains in later versions), Xbox (target), iOS (via cross-compilation toolchains in later versions), Android (via cross-compilation toolchains in later versions)

Related technologies

Notable users

Epic Games (Unreal Engine and games)
Microsoft (for Windows OS, Office, Xbox games)
CD Projekt Red (The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077)
Autodesk (AutoCAD, 3ds Max)
Various financial institutions
Defense contractors and aerospace companies
Blizzard Entertainment
Adobe Systems (Creative Suite applications)