ElectricBliss
05-04-2006 21:29:31
Greetings,
I am one who believes it is critical to be on the cutting-edge when choosing the tools, libraries, etc. you’re going to use for a project. (This is especially important in a game project that will take, at least, two years to complete.)
I own the full-blown version of VS 2003 and have used it for a couple of years. It’s good… but VC 2005 (vers 8.0) is fantastically better. So much so, that I am using the Express editions instead of my full copy of 2003.
Not only are the improvements in the IDE excellent (I think they’ve finally got it right) but the improvements in .NET 2.0 (the framework that is used in VS 2005) are very much improved. The floating point precision option is in-and-of-it-self, well worth the upgrade.
Sinbad (if you don’t know who he is you’d better stop right now and go find out) has had some VERY good things to say about the new 2005 version and I believe he is making the conversion as we speak.
The way I see it, in two years (when I plan to release my game *I hope!*) it will be 2008. By that time VS 2003 will be over five years old! That’s ancient history in computer terms. So I am loath the go back to using 2003 if at all possible.
Now with that said, there are consequences to being on the cutting-edge… and that is why we are experiencing quite the challenge in getting ODN to play nicely with the new framework and IDE. But I still insist… it is worth the effort in the long run.
I think that some of the challenge would be reduced with the Standard or Professional versions of the VS 2005 but Express has served me well so far.
I started this thread to compile a list of “real-world” limitations in Express that we find along the way, as the list that Microsoft provides isn’t comprehensive enough for my need-to-know.
Here is Microsoft’s comparison page to get the ball rolling: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/products/compare/default.aspx
Now, here are the things that I’ve found so far that they don’t have listed.
1. Express doesn’t support multiple solutions contained in one solution.
2. Express doesn’t support multiple projects (of differing languages) in one solution.
3. Express C# doesn’t have a breakpoint window. (but Express C++ does)
Although I’m sure there are more, these are the only limitations I’ve encountered so far… and they are by no means a deal breaker.
I would, very much, like to get the “straight dope” on what the limitations are in Express version. If you would be so kind as to list any you know of, here in this thread, it would be *greatly* appreciated.
I’m looking for that “deal breaker” that forces me to purchase the standard or pro version. But if I don’t have to… then why?
VS Express 2005 is free until November. (And contrary to rumors you *can* use it for commercial apps and it does *not* expire come November. (You can use it for free indefinitely if you got it before November.)
So, even if you never use it, you might want to get your free copy just incase someday you need it. The express edition can be installed along side VS 2003 without a hitch... just make sure you install 2003 first...
Here's the download link for anyone who want's to get 'em: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/support/install/
Okay… so let’s hear it… Shred the clothes of Express so we can see it’s limitations in full light. I want to find that “deal breaker”.
Sincerely,
EB
I am one who believes it is critical to be on the cutting-edge when choosing the tools, libraries, etc. you’re going to use for a project. (This is especially important in a game project that will take, at least, two years to complete.)
I own the full-blown version of VS 2003 and have used it for a couple of years. It’s good… but VC 2005 (vers 8.0) is fantastically better. So much so, that I am using the Express editions instead of my full copy of 2003.
Not only are the improvements in the IDE excellent (I think they’ve finally got it right) but the improvements in .NET 2.0 (the framework that is used in VS 2005) are very much improved. The floating point precision option is in-and-of-it-self, well worth the upgrade.
Sinbad (if you don’t know who he is you’d better stop right now and go find out) has had some VERY good things to say about the new 2005 version and I believe he is making the conversion as we speak.
The way I see it, in two years (when I plan to release my game *I hope!*) it will be 2008. By that time VS 2003 will be over five years old! That’s ancient history in computer terms. So I am loath the go back to using 2003 if at all possible.
Now with that said, there are consequences to being on the cutting-edge… and that is why we are experiencing quite the challenge in getting ODN to play nicely with the new framework and IDE. But I still insist… it is worth the effort in the long run.
I think that some of the challenge would be reduced with the Standard or Professional versions of the VS 2005 but Express has served me well so far.
I started this thread to compile a list of “real-world” limitations in Express that we find along the way, as the list that Microsoft provides isn’t comprehensive enough for my need-to-know.
Here is Microsoft’s comparison page to get the ball rolling: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/products/compare/default.aspx
Now, here are the things that I’ve found so far that they don’t have listed.
1. Express doesn’t support multiple solutions contained in one solution.
2. Express doesn’t support multiple projects (of differing languages) in one solution.
3. Express C# doesn’t have a breakpoint window. (but Express C++ does)
Although I’m sure there are more, these are the only limitations I’ve encountered so far… and they are by no means a deal breaker.
I would, very much, like to get the “straight dope” on what the limitations are in Express version. If you would be so kind as to list any you know of, here in this thread, it would be *greatly* appreciated.
I’m looking for that “deal breaker” that forces me to purchase the standard or pro version. But if I don’t have to… then why?
VS Express 2005 is free until November. (And contrary to rumors you *can* use it for commercial apps and it does *not* expire come November. (You can use it for free indefinitely if you got it before November.)
So, even if you never use it, you might want to get your free copy just incase someday you need it. The express edition can be installed along side VS 2003 without a hitch... just make sure you install 2003 first...
Here's the download link for anyone who want's to get 'em: http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/support/install/
Okay… so let’s hear it… Shred the clothes of Express so we can see it’s limitations in full light. I want to find that “deal breaker”.
Sincerely,
EB