lie11_09anne wrote: > I'm in my 1st Year-2nd semester in Computer Science. > We're focussing in C language. > Until now, I don't have a C compiler at home. > > Where can I find an installer for C compiler that is compatible with > Windows Vista?! > I really need it, as soon as possible! > > One more thing, > > I think...I really need a TUTOR. > Is there someone who can teach me, > on-line? > > Thanks.
Finding a new compiler is quite easy. c-prog maintains a massive 'Links' section on its website. One of those sections is entitled "Compilers (free)": http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-prog/links/Compilers_000986587674/ There are hundreds of free compilers to choose from. However, there are just a handful that are popular, well supported, ANSI Standard, and free: Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express wxDev-C++ MinGW gcc/g++ C++ compilers are usually backwards-compatible and will also compile C code. Of the compilers listed, Microsoft Visual C++ (including Express) currently has the best debugger on the planet - period. If you are learning C/C++, the ability to step through code line by line and see what is wrong is invaluable. Other compiler suites have debuggers but aren't nearly as good. There are two commercial (non-free) compilers worth mentioning as well. Compilers that are not free have to provide a LOT of added value to justify their cost. Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional - In general, if you plan on doing Microsoft Windows-specific GUI development (e.g. involving COM, ATL, MFC, Office, Vista, etc.), this is the development suite to have. Many developers enhance the environment with third-party tools such as Visual Assist X. Also, a number of popular open source projects (e.g. TortoiseSVN) will completely build only under the latest version of Visual Studio Professional. Be prepared to pay Microsoft prices though. Comeau C++ - This is the most ANSI Standards compliant compiler in existence. Period. And it is available for virtually every modern platform. They have an online code compiler so you can see if code that doesn't compile under your compiler but should will compile under theirs. As to a tutor. In general, the quality of any tutor will vary. Learning from a book is the best way to go. Programming books that go through a publisher are scrutinized by many people. Even then, mistakes can still make it through the process and some authors are considered better than others. When you joined c-prog, you should have received an e-mail containing the group welcome message. In that message was a list of books that you should read. Just in case you missed the message, here is that list of books again and the order in which you should be reading them: "Accelerated C++" by Koenig and Moo (ISBN #020170353X) "Safe C++ Design Principles" by Thomas Hruska "The C++ Standard Library" by Nicolai Josuttis (ISBN #0201379260) "Effective C++" by Scott Meyers (ISBN #0201924889) "More Effective C++" by Scott Meyers (ISBN #020163371X) If you are learning or looking to learn C, consider learning C++ instead. It is much more versatile and offers powerful features that C doesn't offer. If you happen to be already reading something other than the books above, seriously consider supplementing or replacing your book with the above. If you can't afford the books mentioned, Bruce Eckel offers "Thinking in C++" for free from his website: http://mindview.net/Books/TICPP/ThinkingInCPP2e.html And the group owner, Thomas Hruska, has generously donated his book "Safe C++ Design Principles" to c-prog group members for free: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-prog/files/Books/ Beware any C/C++ author who does not adhere closely to the ANSI C/C++ Standard. One very popular author is Yashavant Kanetkar who is the author of "Let Us C". His writing may be simple to understand however his code is non-ANSI Standard. Similar great writers have shown up over the years who tell wonderful stories but don't adhere to the Standards defined by the ANSI C/C++ committees. You should also obtain at least copy of a draft copy of the ANSI C/C++ Standard. Draft copies are free and c-prog links to quite a few of them here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/c-prog/links/Standards_001012496381/ -- Thomas Hruska CubicleSoft President Ph: 517-803-4197 *NEW* MyTaskFocus 1.1 Get on task. Stay on task. http://www.CubicleSoft.com/MyTaskFocus/
