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Microsoft Visual C++ is a powerful tool that has been a cornerstone of Windows development for decades. It's a compiler and development environment that allows programmers to create high-performance applications.
Developed by Microsoft, Visual C++ is a part of the Visual Studio suite, which is widely used by professional developers. The tool has undergone significant changes over the years, with the latest version, Visual C++ 2019, offering improved performance and features.
Visual C++ is particularly important for creating Windows desktop applications, as it allows developers to create applications that can take full advantage of the Windows operating system.
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Importance and Functionality
Microsoft Visual C++ is a code compiler for the C programming language family, supporting C, C++, and C++/CLI code. It's a crucial tool for developers who write programs in these languages.
The software relies on standard libraries to function, and the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable ensures these libraries are installed and up-to-date. This prevents programs from malfunctioning due to missing or corrupted libraries.
If a program requires a specific version of Visual C++, you only need to download and install it from the official Microsoft page. This makes it easy to resolve compatibility issues and get your programs running smoothly.
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Functionality
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The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is a crucial tool that ensures programs created with Microsoft Visual C++ run smoothly on your computer.
It works by providing the required libraries and components to these programs, which are essential for their execution.
The Redistributable checks if the necessary version is installed on your computer and notifies you if it's corrupted or missing.
It then adds essential runtime elements, such as DLL files, to different system folders.
These components contain the code necessary for correct program execution.
The specific application searches the system for the necessary runtime components when you launch it.
The software operates as intended after it has been found.
The package makes sure that programs can access their right Redistributable versions without any issues when separate apps require different versions.
Microsoft regularly updates the Visual C++ Redistributable to address bugs or performance issues.
These updates often come with the latest versions of the runtime components to ensure a smooth user experience.
If a program tells you it needs a version of Visual C++ to work, you only need to download and install it from the official Microsoft page.
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Monopolistic Advantage
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Microsoft's programmers have the same knowledge of Visual C++ as other programmers who use it to write programs for Microsoft's operating systems. This is because all other things being equal, they have the same access to the tool.
However, Microsoft's development kits have long assumed the use of Microsoft's tools, which could potentially give them an unfair advantage.
Microsoft has no monopoly in the market for programming tools, not even in the market of tools for writing programs that run on Microsoft's operating systems.
But since Microsoft has been ruled to have monopoly control in the operating systems market, there's a potential for anti-competitive advantage if Microsoft's programming tools have features that are undocumented for most programmers.
Profile Guided Optimization (PoGO) is a feature of Visual C++ that is said to be new and important for 64-bit computing, but it's actually old and not documented.
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Using and Managing Microsoft Visual C++
Microsoft Visual C++ is a powerful tool for developers, allowing them to create high-performance applications.
It's widely used for building Windows and Windows Store applications, as well as for developing games and other types of software.
Microsoft Visual C++ supports a wide range of programming languages, including C, C++, and C#.
You can use it to create native Windows applications, which can run on any Windows device.
Microsoft Visual C++ includes a powerful debugger that helps you identify and fix errors in your code.
It's also integrated with other Microsoft tools, such as Visual Studio, making it a great choice for developers who already use those tools.
Microsoft Visual C++ is a key component of the Windows SDK, which is essential for building Windows applications.
By using Microsoft Visual C++ and the Windows SDK, you can create high-quality applications that run on Windows devices.
Microsoft Visual C++ is also a great choice for developers who want to create applications that can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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Deciding What to Do with Redistributables
If you're considering deleting Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, it's best to think twice. You can delete any Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable items, but the programs that rely on your deleted redistributable may fail to start or run.
Figuring out which redistributables you need can be a challenge, as there's no automated way to determine what C++ library dependencies exist on your computer. You could try uninstalling all redistributables and then reinstalling the software that you know you need.
Deleting redistributables can cause issues with multiple apps, and it's not worth the hassle. The redistributable libraries are shared, and multiple applications make use of the same installation of standard libraries.
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What Is the Redistributable?
The redistributable is a type of file that contains all the data needed for an application to run, without requiring an internet connection.
Software can be distributed as either a lightweight online installer or as a redistributable. Online installers are small in size because they don't contain the application data.
A redistributable file has the advantage of not needing an internet connection to work, making it a convenient option for many users.
Redistributables are often bundled into other software that rely on them, which is the case with Visual C++.
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Should I Delete Any?
Deleting redistributables can lead to multiple applications on your computer stopping to work.
It's worth noting that redistributable libraries are shared, meaning multiple applications use the same installation of standard libraries.
These libraries are installed alongside applications and aren't uninstalled when you uninstall a program, because another program may rely on those specific libraries.
You can uninstall redistributables, but it's not recommended, as it may cause issues with multiple apps.
The space they take up is minimal, but the hassle of messing with your current ecosystem of standard library files isn't worth it.
You can't determine which C++ library dependencies exist on your computer with an automated way, so uninstalling and reinstalling redistributables can be a tedious process.
A clean installation of Windows and only necessary applications is another option, but it's a lot of work for little gain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to delete Microsoft Visual C?
You can safely delete Microsoft Visual C++ if it's deemed unnecessary by the Windows Administrator and won't affect other installed apps. However, check the requirements of your software to ensure removal won't impact its functionality.
Are Microsoft Visual important?
Yes, Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is crucial for many programs to function properly, including some Windows features. Uninstalling it can cause compatibility issues and require reinstallation.
Is it normal to have a lot of Microsoft Visual C++?
Yes, it's normal to have multiple versions of Microsoft Visual C++ installed on your computer, as different programs require different versions of the Visual C++ libraries to run. This is a common occurrence due to the varying requirements of installed applications.
Sources
- https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-visual-c-redistributable-guide/
- https://www.auslogics.com/en/articles/microsoft-visual-c-redistributables-on-windows-10/
- https://www.thewindowsclub.com/microsoft-visual-c-redistributable-package
- https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/what-is-microsoft-visual-c-redistributable-do-you-need-so-many/
- https://www.geoffchappell.com/studies/msvc/index.htm
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