Alright, I decided to move to something more to the real "C++"
where I can setup my own compiler and choose whichever compiler that I wanted to use. I'm now learning C++ to get into game programming, which I think is really exciting

Do you think it's a good idea to use Borland C++ compiler? I just know about this compiler from my friend that used it, he told me that it's all packaged with the OpenGL libraries (so I thought that's very convenient) what do you guys think? I'm now downloading the Borland Developer Studio 2006

I've heard some say that GCC is really good? But I still not sure why is one compiler is better than the other? Is it because the way the interpret your code and more functionalities with what you need? Any example?

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While I can't provide examples and can't distinguish between compilers based on experience, here's what I know of the differences that you should care about:

1) Is the code smaller from 1 compiler to the next?
2) Does the compiler support the version of the language that your familiar with?
3) Does the compiler support the basics of the language that you're using?
4) Does the compiler support the aspects of the language you're trying to use in the easiest way for you to use it?
5) Can you afford the compiler?
6) Is the compiler supported (i.e. are errors/bugs corrected or do you have to wait years)?
7) Is the compiler backed by the type of development environment you want?

Most of the time if you're talking about a MicroSoft compiler, I'd suggest that the answer to most of the yes/no questions above is "no", but
for me the free Microsoft Visual C# 2005 Express Edition has everything I need and #7 & #5 are the most important at this stage of my life. I've read that it's not the best for game development and that the C++ version isn't exactly easy either. I don't know how Borland compares as of this time, but it's reputation is definitely solid. Hopefully that helps a bit.

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Jeremy Miller
Content Farmer - Optimized Automated Blog Posting

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Well, I personally like flexibility, that's where the point I have to learn how to change my own compiler... My friend actually used Textpad to do his C++ programming careers lol...

I personally haven't experienced with C++ whatsoever, but by looking at Deitel's book on C++ How to Program, I can grasp the foundation pretty quickly, but I just need some more implementation and trials and errors haha...

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I personally use MinGW's implementation of gcc (the GNU C Compiler) and g++ (the C++ implementation), and I find that to be wonderful. I tried working with Borland after spending a year with gcc, and while it wasn't too complicated to set up, I found trouble trying to find similar compiler and linker options that I used with gcc and g++. I also found Microsoft's Visual C++ 6 compiler to be flexible, but not quite what I was looking for.

Like I've said in the past, various implementations and compilers are good for various programmers. It is up to you to choose which one suits you best.

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"C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot; C++ makes it harder, but when you do it blows your whole leg off."
-- Bjarne Stroustrup, creator of what is now known as C++
For more quotes by Bjarne Stroustrup, check out http://www.research.att.com/~bs/bs_faq.html#really-say-that.

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