Отличия Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition от Pro
Чем отличается Visual C++ 2005/2008 Express Edition от Pro версии
Цитата из http://www.microsoft.com/express/support/faq/default.aspx
Цитата:
Does Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition include MFC and ATL?
No, MFC and ATL are not included with Visual C++ 2008 Express. MFC and ATL will be included in Visual Studio 2008 Standard and above editions.
Does Visual C++ 2008 Express include the "optimizing compiler"?
Yes, Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition includes the same core optimizing compiler that will be included with all other Visual Studio 2008 editions. Some new expanded optimization features, including Profile Guided Optimizations, will be available only in the Standard and above editions of Visual Studio 2008.
No, MFC and ATL are not included with Visual C++ 2008 Express. MFC and ATL will be included in Visual Studio 2008 Standard and above editions.
Does Visual C++ 2008 Express include the "optimizing compiler"?
Yes, Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition includes the same core optimizing compiler that will be included with all other Visual Studio 2008 editions. Some new expanded optimization features, including Profile Guided Optimizations, will be available only in the Standard and above editions of Visual Studio 2008.
То есть в Express Edition нет MFC и ATL, а так же отсутствует некоторые возможности оптимизации при компиляции.
От себя добавлю, что нет также редактора ресурсов. И, вероятно, еще каких-то возможностей. Однако, функции Win32 API работают, STL работает. Так что для "hobbyists, first-time developers, and students" вполне подойдет.