I am a complete beginner in C++.I recently downloaded the Borland C++ Compiler 5.5 and also purchased the book - "Building Financial Derivatives Applications with C++ " by Robert Brooks.The downloaded (free) software seems to be DOS based while the version used in the book (3.0 I think) looks like a normal windows environment application(from the pictures).Can anybody tell me where I can get hold of this version, and is this the best sort to use in Financial Maths????Thanks T

The downloaded (free) software seems to be DOS based while the version used in the book (3.0 I think) looks like a normal windows environment application(from the pictures). >>It sounds like Borland separated the compiler from the integrated development environment (IDE), so they could give away the compiler for free. Based on your description, I cannot tell you for sure if that is the case, but, if it is, you'll have to build your project from a command line. Check to see if Borland also threw in make or nmake, so you can use it to build your projects. Can anybody tell me where I can get hold of this version, and is this the best sort to use in Financial Maths???? >>* the short answer:It suspect that you're looking for the base version of Borland C++ Builder, which comes with a Windows-based IDE. In the United States, you can purchase it at larger computer stores and at bookstores near University campuses for about $100 (less, if you qualify for a student discount). I'm not sure how it is distributed outside of the United States.It should be fine for the work you're doing. However, for commercial financial applications on Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Visual C++ is probably more commonly used. * ths long answer:There are three commonly-used compilers for the Windows platform: Cygwin gcc (based on GNU gcc), Borland C++ Builder and Microsoft Visual C++. All of them are decent compilers. All of them have some known issues with standards compatibility (especially in the standard libraries); however, they tend to be issues which, in my experience, either rarely appear or have easy workarounds.gcc, whether you get it from Cygwin (which I recommend) or from another source, is free. On Windows platforms, it is generally only used for commercial work for the purpose of cross-compiling. However, on other platforms, it is regularly used for commercial work. It is a command-line tool; although, some people are working on integrated development environments for the Cygwin tools. gcc is fine, but, given the choice, most people will use the Microsoft or Borland tools instead.At one time, Borland's compiler was the finest available. However, a few years ago, they managed to tick-off the best developer in their compiler tools group, and he ended up leaving Borland for Microsoft. Soon thereafter, Microsoft, in the opinion of most people, pulled ahead in the compiler race. Whether you need them or not, both the Microsoft and Borland compilers come with complete Windows-based integrated development environments (IDEs), featuring editors, debuggers and so forth. In the United States, both the Microsoft and the Borland compilers/IDEs sell for about $100 in base versions and $300 and up in various "professional" versions. For the work you're doing, the base versions are probably adequate. Also, in the United States, students and school staff can receive SUBSTANTIAL discounts on the price of this software. Your English looks English (not American), so I'm guessing you don't live in the United States -- I expect that the prices will be similar in Europe/Japan and cheaper in most of the rest of the world, but I don't know for sure as I've never purchased software outside of the US. There are more third-party add-on tools which are designed to work with Microsoft Visual C++ than there are for any other integrated development environment. You can purchase memory-leak finders, improved editors, profilers and other tools which integrate nicely with Microsoft Visual C++. For commercial work, this is a big deal. For the work you're doing, you probably don't want to spend the money for these tools at this point (they tend to be expensive). Microsoft's tools are more popular than Borland's. The Microsoft Visual C++ is considered the "standard" for the Microsoft Windows environment for pretty much all types of applications (except where cross-compiling is necessary). However, for general C++ coding, either compiler/IDE will work fine. Good luck. -- Dave

As eDave says the book that you have brought is for Borland <b>Builder</b> 3.0 Computer magazines tend to give this away occasionally (the state of the art is now Builder 6) else maybe you can find somewhere to download it from. Borland 5.5 is their old command line environment which does allow windows programming but it is more tricky. Builder comes with drop and drag windows components which makes for fast developing. 3rd party add ons are also available, see TMS for some good add ons. Good LuckNig

Thanks very much for all the info guys, I very much appreciate it.By the way Dave you were close - my English is Welsh English as opposed to English English!T