Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Isn't MSVC closed source?


Yes, but there are several arguements in favor of MSVC that don't apply in general.

MSVC is for and from the same people as Windows, Windows is large enough and popular enough that it isn't going away (Microsoft would have to die - and even if that happens you can bet organizations the US government would take over Windows), thus betting that MSVC won't go away is safe enough. If it doesn't work out your company is in trouble but so is everyone else. It is when you are betting on something less popular that you get into potential trouble as the thing you depend on can be canceled.

Mingw isn't as good as MSVC, but if forced you could use it instead. Which means you have options and so a bet on closed source has a understandable worst case risk that is a lot better.

Small close source projects like Circle C++ should be used either as a small experiment - if this fails you can rewrite everything in something open source in a few months and so the risk is low. There is one other common option (though I don't know what circle c++ offers): you can bet on circle C++ after your lawyers get a contract that if it becomes unavailable you get source code and rights so your worst case is you maintain it yourself. These contracts in business are made all the time, and so a good lawyer will have no problem getting the risk terms into a contract.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: