"Best" compiler for windows

[lumpybanana247]

Now, I understand this could have several answers, but my simple question is: What is the best free C++ compiler for Windows?
For a long time, I have been using MinGW (using Bloodshed DevC++) on Windows XP. I find it great. But, assuming that i hadn't put much time into learning about that compiler that i presently use, what would everyone recommend? (and "why?" if possible)

I know others exist such as MSVC++, Cygwin, Borland [or might those be IDEs...]

[Banfa]

Bloodshed DevC++ is getting a bit long in the tooth (old).

You could try either CodeBlocks (which uses MinGW) or Visual Studio 2008 Express.

It is a long time since I have heard of Borland as being a viable compiler and Cygwin is not a compiler at all it is an emulation of the Unix/Linux environment on Windows.

[lumpybanana247]

Yeah, ive had DevC++ since i started programming and not a single update.
And haha, that makes sense about cygwin. before i started programming, i tried to compile a c++ file using cygwin lol-- like not in emulating a compiler-- i literally used cygwin.exe to try to compile one and wondered why it didnt work. maybe i should read instructions...

And I'll try out CodeBlocks. It looks pretty good! thank you much.

[george666]

The only professional IDE is Visual Studio (licences in all Big Companies..)

[Banfa]

That's not true, anyone building multi-platform software were one of the platforms is Windows and another Linux is most likely to be using MinGW or some other gcc/g++ derivative.