There is nothing you can't do with Builder that you can't do with the C++ 5.5 compiler. The biggest difference is that Builder allows you to create Window apps much faster.
To create a list box in Builder, I could drag the component to the form and it is created for me. With just the compiler, I would have to code the box by hand.
Builder 5 uses the 5.5 compiler that is available for free but with Builder I can create a form in minutes that would take hours to do manually with just the compiler.
If all you are doing is console apps (no windows), the compiler works just a good as Builder and actually may be easier to use since there is less overhead. If you are just beginning C++, the free compiler is best IMHO.
But when you starting doing more complex Window apps, Builder is impossible to beat. James P. Cottingham
I am the Unknown lead by the Unknowing.
I have done so much with so little
for so long that I am now qualified
to do anything with nothing.