[LLVMdev] diffs for vc7.1

[Jeff Cohen]

On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 10:18:01 -0700
Reid Spencer <reid at x10sys.com> wrote:

> Again, while I can sympathize, this problem doesn't affect LLVM because
> we have no legacy of compiling on Win32.

Well, these were reasons why it takes so long for newer versions to
catch on.  Obviously they don't apply to LLVM.  Yet :)

> > And don't even think of doing this near the end of a release cycle for
> > your product.  The mere thought of using a /beta/ version of a Microsoft
> > product...
> 
> Yes, this is more of a concern to me. That's why I suggested using the
> update as well. While we'll be bleeding edge for a while, eventually
> VC++ 8 will be released and its SP1 will make it actually work
> correctly. If we start adjusting for its quirks now, we can (hopefully)
> have something reasonably stable by the time lots of Win32 people start
> using LLVM.

Just make sure you read the uninstall instructions before installing.
Microsoft has been known to essentially require the reformatting your
boot partition in order to uninstall beta versions of VS.  And, of
course, it is required that you uninstall the beta before installing a
newer beta or the release version.

> > And for those without an MSDN subscription, the cost of purchasing the
> > latest Visual Studio is enough disincentive.
> 
> Another reason why I suggested the free download alternative ;>

It's only free until enough bugs have been fixed to justify charging for it :)

> I think you're right that "standardization" on the VC 8 compiler is
> somewhat risky. We should continue the 7.1 effort while also using
> 8(beta) and when 8 is ready, then it should become the standard for
> windows (assuming it actually implements the C++ standard correctly!)

It all depends on how well it works with 7.1.  Hopefully it won't be
much longer before we know for sure.