Harness the speed, performance and portability of modern C++ with the power of Visual Studio 2015 Update 2. This release includes remote debugging on Linux devices, additional support for targeting Android and iOS (and Windows), a state of the art C++ coding experience, faster builds, support for modern C++ and all the power of the Visual Studio.

The release corresponded with Build 2016.

Build 2016

For those who missed sessions online or at the event (or want to relive the moment), you can binge-watch over on Channel 9. C++ developers might want to include these gems:

• Our latest GoingNative video, jam-packed with rundowns of new/improved tools in the VS family of products available as of Update 2 RTM (including some of the items below)
• The Future of Visual Studio includes a Visual Studio to Linux remote debugging demo of a rotating OpenGL cube
• Top 6 Reasons to Move Your C++ Code to Visual Studio 2015, gotta love (spoiler!) being more productive (#5)
• Using C++ in Visual Studio to target Windows, Android and iOS with a longer demo of building Android applications with Gradle
• Async Programming Improvements for C++ and UWP brings simplification to the async coding pattern for UWP and code that is more readable and easier to maintain
• C++ Discussion with Ankit Asthana and Marian Luparu from the C++ team hosted by Charles Torre demonstrating the C/C++ extension for Visual Studio Code

C++ Developer Experience Improvements

In addition to Build sessions, we shared a number of examples and in-depth articles on the C++ blog:

• We fixed a number of Connect bugs and addressed UserVoice suggestions. Thanks for your feedback.
• Develop C++ code for Linux servers, desktops and devices with Visual C++ for Linux Development extension.
• Developing on Linux or OS/X? Use the C/C++ extension for Visual Studio Code for your editing and debugging needs.
• The March 2016 release of Clang with Microsoft CodeGen (also known as “Clang/C2”) brings bug fixes and support for /bigobj.
• The Lifetime Safety Checker will check that the lifetime of an object matches its use. It’s an experimental preview right now but it’s well worth checking out!
• C++ Coroutines can simplify your asynchronous Universal Windows Platform code and make the code easier to understand, write, and maintain.
• Thinking about migrating to Visual Studio 2015 and need a hand from the C++ team? Consider participating in the Virtual Migration Lab.
• The Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 now include a go-live license and support for both ATL and MFC (and is great for build labs or continuous integration systems that do not need an IDE).

Keep up with the latest announcements from the C++ team on the C++ blog.

Send Us Your Feedback

As always, we welcome your feedback. For problems, let us know via the Report a Problem option in Visual Studio. For suggestions, let us know through UserVoice.

Thank you.

Eric Battalio, Senior Program Manager, C++ @ebattalio (@visualc)Eric is part of the C++ team at Microsoft. He spends most days talking to developers like you to better understand the software development process and improve the experience.