Microsoft Visual C Toolkit description
Enables you to write managed applications for the .NET Framework

Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition enables you to write managed applications for the .NET Framework that take advantage of the vast number of classes in the .NET Framework Class Library, including features such as garbage collection.

The Visual C++ 2005 implements the new ECMA C++/CLI standard for writing simple yet powerful code for the .NET Framework’s Common Language Runtime (CLR). Using Visual C++, you can write class libraries, console applications, or Windows Forms applications. Visual C++ 2005 also lets you use C++ to build 32-bit native code console applications that have access to the full Standard C and C++ libraries. You can also mix native and managed code in a single project, giving you the flexibility to use existing libraries as well as .NET Framework classes in the same application.

Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition includes a fully ISO-compliant implementation of the Standard Template Library (STL). STL is a general purpose library of algorithms and data structures that is based on a concept known as generic programming. The library includes the container classes—such as vector, queue, list, and map—that are implemented using C++ templates. These work with any data type, including both built-in types as well as any types you define yourself.

Here are some key features of "Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition":


Powerful Language and Libraries
· Create managed and native C++ applications
· Standards conformant, optimizing C++ compiler
· Standard Template Library (STL)
· Use third-party libraries to increase productivity

More Secure C++
· Safe C Runtime Library (CRT)
· Buffer overrun detection

Visually Design Windows Applications
· Visual design surface
· Toolbox
· Property Window
· Snap lines
· Toolstrip control
· Menu control
· Container controls
· WebBrowser control
· MaskedTextBox control
· Background Worker component
· NotifyIcon control
· TreeView control
· ListView control

Interactive Development Environment
· IntelliSense
· XML comments
· Task List
· Find All References
· Navigate code
· Call Browser

Powerful Debugging
· Breakpoints
· Edit and Continue
· Debugger Data Tips
· Debugger Visualizers
· Call Stack
· Conditional Breakpoints
· Breakpoint Window


Requirements:

· Computer with a 600 MHz or faster processor (1 GHz or higher recommended)
· RAM - Minimum: 192 MB, Recommended: 256 MB (512 MB or more with SQL Express)
· Hard Drive - Minimum: 500 MB