History of Visual C++

Prior to Visual C++, Microsoft C Version 6 existed on 8 floppies, did not
support C++ but did support OS/2. It could be executed using either 16-bit
Windows or OS/2. The editor was called Programmer's Workbench. There were
versions of Microsoft C prior to version 6.

Visual C++ was first named Microsoft C/C++ Compiler 7.0 and was shipped on
floppy disks.

Then Visual C++ came with the following version: Visual C++ 1.0 for Windows NT,
then Visual C++ for Win16 (v1.5 and now v1.52c) and then, with a Win32s
inter-period, there was the great new product named Visual C++ 2.0 and the Win32
and 32bits era. Visual C++ 1.0 was shipped for free when buying a book at MS
Press named, Visual C++ Step by Step. The version shipped was the academic one.
The success of the Visual C++ product, appeared with the version 2.2 and the
content of a great documentation. The Windows help was progressively canceled,
and the way developer should learned about SDK and Visual Studio was included in
MVB files, covered in Visual C++ 4.x.

At this time, the MSDN documentation was completely integrated with the IDE. It
was running extremely fast and everything was on a CDRom... (can you say that
now ?)

The compiler was becoming better and better, when Visual C++2.x era was ended.
The episode of pre-compiled headers bug was finished, and the total time of
compilation was shorter and shorter. Projects Settings were very well designed
and the IDE (as always) was getting more and more comfortable.

Version 5.0 appears and the brand name Visual Studio was written, in bold, upper
to the Visual C++ product name.

Visual Studio 6.0 was a legend step were, we knows, there are still lots
of(maybe the most) applications, not recompiled and always under activity. For
example, today 6.0 is still the primary version in China.

Next; VC++.NET is a final step in wich, evolutions have been done to introduce
reserved keyword for the compilers and now, Herb Sutter has helped us with
VC++.NET 2003 and 2005 to fight against compliance and managed extensions
(complex and the new simple one). Thanks to Herb and the teams.

Microsoft C/C++ 7.0
Visual C++ 1.0
Visual C++ 1.5
Visual C++ 2.0
Visual C++ 2.1
Visual C++ 2.2
Visual C++ 4.0
Visual C++ 4.1
Visual C++ 4.2
Visual C++ 5.0
Visual C++ 6.0
Visual C++ .NET 2002 (Version 7.0)
Visual C++ .NET 2003 (Version 7.1)
Visual C++ 2005 (Version 8.0)

In 2006-2007, Visual C++ compiler will merge the C++ STL with a .NET compatible
runtime library called STL.NET. It will embrace Managed C++ and fully compliant
C++ library. Visual C++ is, in 2007, the best compiler product that Microsoft
has shipped. A World class product. Stanley and Herb should be promoted fellow
rank!

Good job, guys !

In 2007, Visual Studio Team has published a Virtual machien that contains the
STL/CLR alias STL.NET named library. Check out from the next realse of the STL
evolution.

In 2007, ATL Server has been promoted under codeplex.com portal: check
www.codeplex.com/atlserver