Question on adding a source file to VC 2005

[pghsteelers]

In VC 6, I could load up a .cpp file, and then F7 to compile. If it didn't have a workspace created, it would ask if one wanted to be created which, selecting yes creates a workspace and then compiles.

However, in VC 2005 express, if I load up a .cpp (add > existing item) and and try to compile, it won't. Mater of fact, it won't do anything, such as let me know what it needs in order to compile the source file. I have to actually, create a new project (i.e. win32 console app) then add "existing item".

Is this the only way to do that same procedure in 2005?

 

[xwb]

To build anything, it has to be in a project and the project has to be in a solution (formerly workspace).

1) Create the project - it will create the solution for you
2) add the file to the project and build

F7 will compile the file.
Depending on which key sequences you have chosen, either ctrl-F7 or ctrl-shift-B will build the solution.

dsp files are now called vcproj
dsw files are now called sln
The vcproj and sln files are in XML
The scripting language for Visual Studio is now VBScript - all the macros you've written for VC6 cannot be used.