Need help seeing the full picture of C++

[pghTech]

I don't know how to actually catorgize this question, but my problem is that it is like I have blinders on because I don't know what all is out there.

I know about C++ and programming directly to the API. I know about MFC and it's collection of classes to bypass allot of the rigorous programming that goes on when programming directly to the API. Both of these I have had some beginners experience with. Dismissing any of the new languages such as .NET and C#, what are other C++ specific programming tools (for a lack of better word) like MFC out there to write C++ programs without having to use MFC?

 

[cpjust]

Well there are the STL classes that come with all C++ compilers (not just Windows). The STL library is amazing! Use it as much as possible.

I think .NET is supposed to be Microsoft's replacement for those dusty old MFC classes, but I haven't spent much time learning .NET.

You can also download the Boost library for free. It's got a lot of neat stuff. It's a bit of a pain in the ass to configure and compile it for the first time though. I think the documentation could also use some improvement.

http://www.boost.org/