# Using Microsoft Visual Studio*

You can use the Intel® C++ Compiler within the Microsoft Visual Studio* integrated development environment (IDE) to develop C++ applications, including static library (.LIB), dynamic link library (.DLL), and main executable (.EXE) applications. This environment makes it easy to create, debug, and execute programs. You can build your source code into several types of programs and libraries, using the IDE or from the command line.

The IDE offers these major advantages:

- Makes application development quicker and easier by providing a visual development environment.
- Provides integration with the native Microsoft Visual Studio debugger.
- Makes other IDE tools available.

Parent topic: Compiler Setup

- Creating a New Project
- Using the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic
- Build a Project
- Selecting the Compiler Version
- Switching Back to the Visual C++* Compiler
- Selecting a Configuration
- Specifying a Target Platform
- Specifying Directory Paths
- Specifying a Base Platform Toolset with the Intel® C++ Compiler Classic
- Using Property Pages
- Using Intel Libraries with Microsoft Visual Studio*
- Changing the Selected Intel® Performance Libraries
- Including MPI Support
- Using Guided Auto Parallelism in Microsoft Visual Studio*
- Using Code Coverage in Microsoft Visual Studio*
- Using Profile Guided Optimization in Microsoft Visual Studio*
- Performing Parallel Project Builds
- Optimization Reports: Enabling in Microsoft Visual Studio*
- Optimization Reports: Viewing
- Dialog Box Help