@sam123
I never understood such "backward" comments, and why would anyone want to target their code for Windows 7 which is no longer supported anyway?
Those people who use Windows 7 and before, it's
their mistake not ours who write new code.
One could also say that we should program for Windows 95 because some people still may be using it.
Keep in mind the fact that 'upgrading' to the latest wizz bang shiny new thing will also cut off anyone who isn't rich enough to buy a new computer just to run your code |
FYI, you can target older systems with the most recent compiler that comes with (currently)
Visual Studio 2019.
There is absolutely not need to use VS Express from 2010.
First because you'll lack new system API's and modern C++ features that are introduced in new compiler version and you will be forced to write "vintage" code.
You should ask your self this:
1. Will your vintage code (targeted for Windows 7 or older) run on new operating systems in the future instead? Win10 and beyond?
2. Is it worth is to rewrite your code sometime in the future just because you wanted to target some prehistoric operating system?
IMO future is more important than past, and one should focus on future not past.
and I'm sure even B. Stroustroup would agree with me, because as he says, there are trillions of lines of vintage code around and nobody cares to rewrite it because as they say "it works just fine"