Chapter 2: Navigating the Visual C 2005 Express Edition Environment

OVERVIEW

The key to building programs quickly and effectively in Visual C++ is to be familiar with the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Now that you know the capabilities of Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition, it is time to familiarize yourself with how the IDE works. In this chapter, you will learn about the most common and widely used elements that make up the IDE and how to use them.

In this chapter, you learn the following:

• How to work with the IDE menu and standard toolbar

• What the basics are of working with the Form Designer and Code Editor

• What IntelliSense is and how to use it to your advantage

• How to work with the Toolbox, Solution Explorer, and Properties windows