Compiler recommendations

[Break2]

I am new to C++ and am currently using Visual Studio 2005 after having first tried Borland C++ Builder 6.0 and CodeGear C++ Builder 2007. The thing I like about Visual Studio 2005 is the 'step over' function it has. 'Step over' lets the compiler go to the next line it processes each time you hit F10. For me that is a nice feature because I can then see what is actually happening on a specific line. For instance, if the compiler reaches a line with 'cin' I am asked to input something; by using 'step over' the compiler places an arrow in front of that line for me to see that I am on that line. I have to admit In the case of cin is is clear where I am but it is nice to know what the compiler is doing exactly in relation to in which sequence it is processing lines and where it possibly goes wrong.

Visual Studio is however also giving me some errors. For instance I need to put "namespace std ()" (whithout quotes) in the line above "using namespace std;" if I do not do that, the std namespace is not recognized.

That led me to the following website: http://www.horstmann.com/bigcpp/faq.html where I saw there are more issues with Visual Studio.

I am therefore interested in which compiler is confirming itself to the C++ standards but on the other hand still has the features Visual Studio 2005 has for C++, in particular the step over and debugging features. C++ is the only language I use Visual Studio for so I am not interested in the other functions that Visual Studio offers for other languages.

Which compiler would you recommend for C++?

Thanks!

[iWillLiveforever]

I learned on Borland Turbo C++ 16 bit compiler and I now use Visual C++ express and I switch between codeblocks and Dev-C++.

Turbo C++ has a very comprehensive index to help new people but using the other compilers I found it is easier to program after you know what you are doing.

[Break2]

What do you mean with switching between codeblocks and Dev-C++?

[weaknessforcats]

There are issues with every compiler. Visual Studio caters to the Windows operating system. As in, it can't run on Unix/Linux.

But then again, the Unix compilers can't run on Windows so it evens out.

It comes down to using a compiler that supports your operating system.

[iWillLiveforever]

What do you mean with switching between codeblocks and Dev-C++?

I mean that one day I feel like making a program in codeblocks and the next day I make a different program in Dev-C++. Though by day I do not mean the program only takes me one day to complete they are usually vary in time frames. I have the option to switch between compilers because I am programming for fun and my programs are not part of a bigger program for any job I have.