Windows C++ Compiler Debate

The cluster focuses on debates about using MSVC versus alternatives like GCC, Clang, and MinGW for C/C++ development on Windows, including discussions on standards compliance, feature support, and toolchain preferences.

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2,947
Comments
19
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#9351
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2008
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2010
37
2011
54
2012
159
2013
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2014
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2015
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2016
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2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2024
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2026
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Keywords

BUILD MS COM MSVCRT C99 PC WRL MSVC2010 HN C89 compiler windows clang gcc visual microsoft visual studio studio atomic tooling

Sample Comments

rossy Mar 18, 2025 View on HN

Running under MSVC is overrated and more trouble than its worth. Clang and mingw-w64 GCC work just fine for targeting Windows.

jokoon Nov 21, 2022 View on HN

Doesn't have all the feature of msvc for C++, or it requires integration.

YZF Feb 10, 2014 View on HN

Please please make it support Microsoft's C++ compiler under Windows. Otherwise it's a deal breaker for me.

IshKebab Jun 21, 2017 View on HN

Is it that tough? Everything says Windows/MSVC isn't affected.

adrianN Oct 29, 2017 View on HN

Is there a good reason not to use GCC or clang on Windows?

mackal Apr 3, 2021 View on HN

So does MSVC and GCC and clang ...

Arelius Jan 10, 2014 View on HN

Please don't depend on MinGW. MSVC is the best supported compiler toolchain on Windows. Use it.

dureuill Aug 13, 2022 View on HN

Yes we've been using this. Unfortunately it is not standard and iiuc msvc has no equivalent?

dman Oct 14, 2013 View on HN

Its 2013 - Microsoft needs to bite the bullet and start shipping a C/C++ compiler as part of windows :)

syrrim Nov 21, 2018 View on HN

"Use the code on windows" and "support msvc" are orthogonal properties. Gcc and clang both compile windows binaries.