Difference ANSI C and Microsoft Visual C++ 1

[franksirvent]

Hi there
I've just been told we might be starting a new project at work, which will be developed on 'ANSI C' although it is not confirmed as yet.

I have no idea about this programing language as I usually program on Access VB, but I better start learning fast if I want to stay on the team!

I just need a quick sentence or two on difference between ANSI C and Visual C++
Coming from an Access background, what would be the best software to use which might have a similar interface to Access ???

Any reference to good websites which might get down to basics for beginners as myself will be appreciated (I looked around for a few hours on the Net but all I found so far is far too complex for my 'Access' minded body...)

thanks in advance and I hope my post is not too basic.

 

[cpjust]

ANSI C is a standard. MS Visual C++ is a compiler that more or less conforms to the ANSI C standard.

what would be the best software to use which might have a similar interface to Access ???

None. C & C++ are in a whole different universe than MS Access.

If you've never programmed in C/C++, you've got a HUGE learning curve to go through before you'll be able to start writing more than just simple example programs.

I'm not sure about web sites, but I like the Wrox books most of the time. "Beginning Visual C++" by Ivor Horton is pretty good. You can see if Wrox (or other companies) have any good books on ANSI C.

 

[franksirvent]

thanks for info

yes...I know I got a lot to learn...

thanks again! Ill look for Wrox on the net

 

[xwb]

There are several variants of ANSI C. The latest ones being C89 and C99. Visual C++ (and almost all of the existing C++ compilers for other manufacturers) is based on C89. Have a look at

http://david.tribble.com/text/cdiffs.htm

One of the problems with Visual C++ is that even in C mode, on the latest offering (Visual Studio 2005), it is still C89. This could be a plus (you can find lots of people who know this standard) or minus (public domain programs written in C99 will not build).

If you want something nearer to Access i.e. VBA, try C#. It is similar enough to be similar and different enough to be different.

 

[franksirvent]

hi xwb

thanks for your comments and enlightment...
I'll double check C#, might be what I am looking for.

thanks

 

[lionelhill]

Just in case it isn't clear: Because Visual C++ conforms to ANSI reasonably well, ANSI C++ is a subset of what Visual C++ will do. If you want to use Visual C++ but you restrict yourself to ANSI C++ you will only be using the tiniest fraction of what Visual C++ is capable of, but (in theory!) your code will be portable to other C++ compilers. You will, however, be very reliant on libraries etc. to do anything system-dependant. If you use Visual C++ for a windows environment then you can easily make standard windows GUI applications (without resorting to anything outside the standard visual C++ package), but the source code won't be portable to a true ANSI C++ compiler, which knows nothing about particular operating systems.

 

[franksirvent]

thanks lionelhill for your input and information.

Basically we will be changing from a 'ver coomplex' old DOS based program to a Windows based program (database).

I've been told that it will most likely be programmed on 'ANSI C' but no more info has been given so far.

So I want to learn C as a personal challenge as I feel I might have a chance in future to perhaps become a full time programmer in the future.

Currently I have developed very advanced local Access applications, which I am 'very fluent' with, hence my question about 'which sofware' will be more'similar' to Access.

To be honest I didn't think there was so much differences with C (C++, C+, C# etc...) as being used to Visual Basic in Access is pretty much the same language...so I think I'll wait until I get advised 'exactly' what programming language will be used before I go crazy learning the wrong language!

I was hoping there was some software to create 'simple C+ applications' similar to what Access does with Visual Basic, to start with.
Then I can get more deep into the 'hardcore' of programming in C+

From what I've been reading it seems like C is not 'as simple' as Access/VB is...but there is always room to learn !

thanks

 

[cpjust]

C+ isn't a language. Unless you count programmers who try to program in C++, but mix in a lot of C functions ;-)

It's strange that your company would be writing a Windows App in C rather than C++ or C#. You'd think they'd want to use the latest & greatest technology to write their software. It's a lot easier to manage a large software project with an Object Oriented language like C++.

 

[franksirvent]

like I said, they haven't told us yet all the info...someone just mentioned 'ANSI C' as a 'rumor' but like you say it will probably be the latest technology, C++ or C#

I hope so anyway !!!!

 

[xwb]

Have a look at

http://www.codeproject.com/cs/database/csharpaccessdb.asp

It is just an example of interfacing what you know with what you don't know.

C# is one of those weird languages: to a C++ programmer it looks like VB with a bit of C++/Java syntax. To a VB programmer it looks like C++ with a bit of VB syntax. It can also be used as a web language but only on MS platforms.

If you want to try C++, C# or VB for free, download the express edition from MS. It is free for this year: they'll probably start charging next year.

 

[cpjust]

I'm a C++ programmer, and C# doesn't look anything like VB to me. It just looks like Java -- only better. ;-)

 

[franksirvent]

thanks xwb

will download that free version of C++ !!!
I'll also check that website !
thanks for the info !

I think I'll just have to focus and think it of as a 'totally new language' and forget what I already know about VB !!!!

thanks !

 

[franksirvent]

dear xwb

thanks so much for your guidance

I just downloaded the express free edition of C++ as well as the free video tutorials and that's exactly what I was looking for. A beginners free software and simple straight to the point tutorial!

Fantastic ! Great way to start (for me anyway!)

Let's get to work now !!!!

THANKS!!!!!