Why Visual C++ 6.0?

Although Version 6.0 of Visual C++ (Visual Studio) is nearly ten years old, it is still widely used.  Some of the reasons developers prefer it to the more recent Visual Studio 2003/2005/2008 versions include:

• The UI is much simpler
• The compiler is much faster
• The class wizard is easier to use than its replacement (the properties window)
• It is designed for C++, without lots of extra features for C# and managed code
• #pragma works
• The memory tool
• Macros
• Keyboard shortcuts
• ESC hides the output window
• Newer versions are not backward compatible
• The program fits on a single CD

In short, 6.0 is fast, easy, and works really well.  See http://blogs.msdn.com/aprilr/archive/2005/02/18/376494.aspx for more specific feedback.

On the other hand, use the newer versions if

• your C++ code uses advanced templates; the newer compiler fixes some compatibility issues
• you need C#, CRL, or managed code
• you have never used 6.0, so you are not already used to that interface