The First C++ Compiler by Microsoft: Origins and Evolution

Microsoft released its first official C++ compiler with Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 in 1992. This release was a milestone, combining support for both C and C++, along with an integrated development environment (IDE) to streamline project development.

This compiler was part of the evolution of Microsoft's programming tools, which started with the Microsoft C Compiler in the early 1980s, when the company focused solely on the C language. As C++ gained popularity in the mid-1980s, offering features like Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Microsoft recognized the need to support this language, leading to the release of the first C++ compiler.

The Birth of MFC: A Framework for C++

After launching its C++ compiler, Microsoft focused on providing additional tools to enhance developer productivity and simplify the creation of Windows-based applications. This led to the introduction of Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), which debuted with Microsoft Visual C++ 1.0 in 1993.

What is MFC?

MFC is a C++-based library developed by Microsoft to simplify the creation of graphical user interface (GUI) applications on the Windows platform. It provided a comprehensive framework to handle:

1. Windows and graphical controls: Predefined classes for creating windows, buttons, and menus.

2. Graphics management: Advanced support for drawing graphical objects, handling colors, and working with fonts.

3. Event handling: Simplifying how applications respond to user actions like clicks and input.

4. Data management: Tools for working with files and databases.

5. Operating system integration: Object-oriented wrappers for the Windows API (WinAPI).

What Did MFC Offer to C++?

1. Simplified Windows Programming: Before MFC, developers had to work directly with WinAPI, which was complex and detail-heavy. MFC provided a streamlined, object-oriented interface.

2. Enhanced Developer Productivity: MFC accelerated the development process by allowing developers to focus on application logic rather than technical details.

3. Standardization: It offered a unified framework for creating Windows applications, improving code readability and maintainability.

Versions and Evolution of MFC:

• The first version of MFC was released with Visual C++ 1.0 in 1993.

• It was continuously updated to align with new Windows features, introducing support for complex functionalities like multithreading and database interaction through ODBC.

The Impact of C++ and MFC on the Programming Community:

• Expanding C++ Usage on Windows: Thanks to tools like the Microsoft C++ compiler and MFC, C++ became one of the most widely used languages for developing desktop applications on Windows.

• Teaching Object-Oriented Programming: MFC played a key role in teaching OOP concepts in a practical context.

• Infrastructure for Large Applications: C++ with MFC was used to develop numerous large-scale applications requiring high performance and advanced user interfaces.

Conclusion:

Microsoft's first C++ compiler, launched in 1992, marked the beginning of C++'s integration into Microsoft's development ecosystem. With the introduction of the MFC library, C++ became even more powerful and accessible for creating graphical applications on Windows, solidifying its position as a fundamental language for building complex software solutions.