Which C++ compiler works with HL2?

[HydraEater]

Valve recommends MS Visual C++ .NET 2003, I believe, but that's $110. Are there any easy to use, C++ compilers that can work with Source and HL2? I'd really like to get into coding and A.I. programming, and I already have bought an excellent book for learning C++. Right now, I'm using Dev-C++, from bloodshed.net, and it's pretty good for general use. Thanks for your time

 

[StardogChampion]

I think 2003 is the only one you can use, since you need to open .sln files and only visual studio can open them.

Maybe.

 

[HydraEater]

I have a beta of Visual C++ 2005 edition, and soon... I hope... Valve will release an update to have Visual C++ 2005 work with HL2. God, I hope they release it soon...

 

[Angry Lawyer]

They're releasing an update to make 2005 work, I think, although the beta won't be supported. They're also going to be selling it much cheaper, apparently, like in the £50 region.

-Angry Lawyer

 

[HydraEater]

Ooooo.... tasty. Thanks for the info.

 

[Epsi]

I'd imagine Valve supporting the beta version would depend on how fast Microsoft can actually get the whole lot finished.

It's not like the features in VC++ 2005 are beta quality, it's just that there's a whole bunch of other stuff which would come out of beta at the same time, like the .net framework v2, etc.

 

[Angry Lawyer]

They're not supporting the Beta version because you're not legally allowed to distribute anything you make with it.

-Angry Lawyer