Cross Ref > Tool Basics

C++/CLI projects require the .Net framework and any additional dependencies you've added such as Crystal Reports.

In Visual Studio.Net, you can create a Setup and Deployment project by using any of the templates available on the New Project dialog (Other Project Types).

To create a ClickOnce deploy package, search the internet for mage.exe and mageui.exe.

In addition, you can use any of the many free and commercially available installation packages.

VB applications require the VB runtime DLL (for version 6, it's VB600.DLL) plus any additional dependencies you've added such as Crystal Reports, ActiveX controls, and DLLs.

You can use any of the many free and commercially available installation packages.

The only development tool I know that supports C++/CLI at this time is Visual Studio.Net. C++/CLI was introduced in VS.Net 2005 and continued in VS.Net 2008.

Microsoft Visual Basic 1...6. VB Classic is not compatible with VB.Net.

The C++/CLI standard file extensions are the same as standard C++. Important C++ file extensions:

• .CPP = C++ Source file. Your startup source file will have a main() routine.
• .C = C source file (sometimes used for C++ source files too).
• .H = Header include file.

Some important Visual C++ file extensions:

• .SLN = Visual Studio.Net solution
• .VCPRJ = The Visual C++ project file. See Project Files and Makefiles for more information.

 Ref: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/3awe4781(VS.80).aspx

• .BAS = VB source code file.
• .CLS = VB class file (one class per file).

Language Overview: Microsoft's C++ language for .Net Framework development. Was called Managed C++ but the name changed after a major overhaul of the language. C++/CLI is a hybrid language that allows you to use standard C++ (callled native objects) as well as managed C++/CLI objects. Whether a type is native or managed within the same appliction depends on whether you use standard C++ syntax or the new C++/CLI managed code syntax.

Language History: C++/CLI was introducted with VS.Net 2005 and replaced Managed C++ (introduced with VS.Net 2002). C++/CLI was standardized by ECMA-372.

Target Platforms: C++/CLI is suitable for creating .Net Framework applications.

Language Overview: Class based language. Although you can create classes, VB Classic is not fully OOP. It is a traditional language with a few OOP extensions. You code in a traditional approach using functions, procedures, and global data, and you can make use of simple classes to help organize your reusable code. It also supports one-level abstract class to implemented class using the Implements keyword.

Target Platforms: Microsoft Visual Basic 6 is most suitable for creating Win32 Windows desktop applications that use the VB600.DLL runtime DLL within Microsoft Windows.

Use any report writer you are comfortable with but Crystal Reports remains popular for Visual C++ and C++/CLI. For C++Builder, Nevrona Rave Reports remains popular and all editions of C++Builder 2009 come bundled with Rave Reports 7.6 (CodeGear Bundled Edition).

Crystal Reports was very popular with VB Classic developers and came bundled with Visual Basic 3 through 6. VB6 offers both Crystal Reports and the new Microsoft Data Report Designer.