VC++.NET question(s) 1

[CubeE101]

OK... I have VC++ 6.0

I am considering upgrading to .NET

Should I get 2003, wait for 2005, or stay with 6.0?

...and WHY?

What are the Pros and Cons between 2003 / 2005 when upgrading from 6.0

A little more background info...

1) I am more of a VB programmer... If one of the newer versions is easier to migrate to, please consider that as well...
I have written several C/C++ programs, but prefer the ease of VB/C# interface...
But VB and C# both have limitations (particularly in the speed area), and I would like to expand my knowlege into C++, moving forward...
I have read Longhorn will need VS 2005 to take full advantage of it's features...
I do have over 10 years programming experience, so there is really not much of a learning curve either way...
But I do like to take the path of least resistance ;-)

2) Is the standard version good enough, or do I really need Pro/Enterprise...
I typically use VB & VC++ 6.0 Pro...
What are the major (practical) differences between the editions...
I won't be working with a team or anything, and most of the projects will be more or less for hobby... (such as games / 3D modeling / graphics utilities)

3) I would also like to be able to build PocketPC apps...
Is this included in one of the versions?
I currently use eVB/eVC++ to do this...
I know one (or more) of the VB.Net editions included PocketPC projects...

Thanks in Advance,
-Josh Stribling

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[CubeE101]

Does no one here have an opinion on this???

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[dace]

If you're not in a hurry I would wait for 2005. I don't use vc++ much myself, but I use c# and vb quite extensively.

As for reasons to upgrade from 6.0 to any .NET version, they're practically too numerous list- just search online and you'll see dozens of "top 10 reasons.." lists.

Some pertinent reading material about vc++ -specific reasons:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/03/03/VisualCNET/

http://www.codeguru.com/columns/Kate/article.php/c9167/

Regarding developing for PocketPCs, I know that coding for the .NET compact framework (for handhelds) is a snap (at least for vb.net and c#.. I assume it's the same for vc++). There's also SDKs for development and deployment on various WinCE versions, regardless of whether you can activesync them.

Well.. that's not a lot of info, but at least it gives you my opinion

 

[CubeE101]

Thanks for the reply.

Opinions is all I'm looking for...

I can go anywhere on the web and read the Marketing spin on why I should get any given new product...
But I want the opinions of people who actually use the software and what they like dislike about it.

I recieved a free version of VB.NET 2003 standard from a promotion by microsoft...
I also downloaded VB.NET 2005 Express, and I like it much better than 2003... (I even prefer VB6 to VB.NET 2003)

I downloaded the rest of the express tools as well, C# is an awsome tool (at least 2005 is)...
But the VC++ was very limited for the EXPRESS beta...
Most of the libraries from the full version were removed...

I have not used either of the earlier 2 versions of VC++.NET, hence the topic...

Has anyone beta tested the full blown VC++.NET 2005?
Are there significant changes from 2003?
And in the real world, why buy pro (or enterprise) over standard?

I didn't think about looking for top 10 sites on why to upgrade...

Thanks, have a star...

I'm still open to opinions here...

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