Best C++ compiler?

[jorg]

Hello im about to start programming in C++ iv read teach yourself C++ in 21 days over 3 times know and im ready to take the dive into it, from your experience or from what you have heard what do like/think is the best C++ compiler im not looking for advance featurse as im first starting out and do not need it, it must save simple plain text files with no word processing commands embedded in the text. money is no object as i see it as an investment into my future. i was thinking about visual studios 2008 but i think it would be nice for a cross platform program(Linux/windows) as i am probably going to be programming in Linux by spring/summer.

[desmond]

cdt plugin for eclipse with gcc. all free. runs on every platform.

[jorg]

Thank you i just installed ill see how i like it

[Aaron]

I have that book too

Haven't done much with it though.

[CGYBLU]

....so i'm a bit confused... you're actually looking for an IDE (integrated development environment), not just a compiler?

"Plain" compiler.... gcc / g++ hands down.

I rather like the MS development environment for windows apps.

However really all you need is a text editor with some syntax highlighting, so I presume. In which case, I like vi for simplicity... and if you want a nice windows version, look into "Cream" it combines all the goodness of vim with a decent interface.

If you want to delve into the linux dev stuff while on windows look into cygwin. It essentially puts a linux cli on your windows machine, and you make use of all the *nix libraries (don't have to mess with winsock bs right out of the bat..etc).

If you want a windows IDE that uses gcc / g++, try Dev-C++ by bloodshed.

edit: Also, there really isn't any reason to buy VS. Microsoft provides "Express editions" of most of the VS components free of charge. Exactly what you are looking for!!!