Building C/C++ Programs

You can build Visual C++ projects either in Visual Studio or on the command line. The Visual Studio IDE uses MSBuild to build projects and solutions. On the command line, you can use the C/C++ compiler (cl.exe) and linker (link.exe) to build simple projects. To build more complex projects on the command line, you can use MSBuild or NMAKE. For an overview about how to use Visual Studio to build projects and solutions, see Building Applications in Visual Studio.

In This Section

• Building C++ Projects in Visual Studio
  Discusses how to use the Visual Studio IDE to build your C/C++ project.

• Building on the Command Line
  Discusses how to use the C/C++ command-line compiler and build tools that are included in Visual Studio.

• Building C/C++ Isolated Applications and Side-by-side Assemblies
  Describes the deployment model for Windows Desktop applications, based on the idea of isolated applications and side-by-side assemblies.

• C/C++ Building Reference
  Provides links to reference articles about program building in C++, compiler and linker options, and various build tools.

• Configuring Programs for 64-Bit (Visual C++)
  Describes how to configure both Visual Studio and the command line to use the 64-bit toolset and how to target 64-bit architectures, and discusses common migration issues when code is moved to 64-bit architectures.

• Configuring Programs for ARM Processors (Visual C++)
  Describes the conventions used by ARM processors, and discusses common migration issues when code is moved to ARM architectures.

• Configuring C++ 11 Programs for Windows XP
  Describes how to set the Platform Toolset to target Windows XP development.

Related Sections

• Visual C++ Sample Applications
  Provides links to sample code that shows the capabilities of Visual C++ and the libraries and technologies it supports.

• Building Applications in Visual Studio
  Describes the Visual Studio build system and tools.