Visual Studio 2005 Standard vs. Professional

[pghsteelers]

I really need the communities advice here...

I have been attempting to learn VC++ for a bit now, and started on the path with the software I had (VC 6). After getting well into it, it was brought to my attention that I might want to upgrade to VC 2005 as VC6 standard was quite old. I was pointed to the *free* version of VC 2005 express, but have now ran into a road block that what I am trying to learn (MFC windows programming) is not available in VC 2005.

So I am looking at making a purchase, but as a beginner, working with and writing (programs beginngers write) do you think the standard is going to supply all I need for now? Is the professional supplying peices that I can do without, or am I going to run into another dead end?

I see on MSDN the graphical break down of (express, standard, professional) but allot of these things that are listed are foreign to me as I haven't come across them yet.

Please advice...

 

[xwb]

Not sure where you got your info from. I don't know about the Std Edition but the Prof Edition definitely has MFC. MS site doesn't say it has MFC but then again it doesn't say that it doesn't. I've just checked 2005 - the Prof edition has MFC. At a guess the Std edition has it too. I know Express doesn't have it.

If price isn't a problem, I'd go for the Prof edition. It has some developer tools that are quite useful.

There is always tons of stuff that you never use with any package. For instance, VS6 came with installshield, stuff to write screensavers, finance frameworks and even a rational rose lookalike for UML diagrams. I haven't used most of them and I don't know anyone who has. VS6 had web dev tools which I've never touched and VB which I keep meaning to learn but never get round to it.

It is just like buying a car. It comes with tons of features that I never use like the horn, armrests, 12V socket in the boot, cup holders and ashtrays. You can't get one without ashtrays or cupholders and horns are required by law.