Overview

Visual Studio is a software development tool used for creating Windows programs and Web applications. The development kit includes an integrated development environment (IDE) and testing tools for all stages of the software development process. Visual Studio purchases include a MSDN Essentials one-year trial subscription, which provides access to the latest core Microsoft platforms, including Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Server, and Microsoft SQL Server.

User Interface

The Visual Studio IDE includes multiple built-in perspectives for accomplishing different tasks. Unique interfaces are provided for source code programming, debugging, and creating visual forms. Developers can use one of these pre-built layouts or customize their own perspectives.

Capabilities

Visual Studio includes the following components:

• Code Editor: Used for writing source code; supports syntax highlighting, bookmarks, background compilation, search functionality, and code completion using Microsoft’s IntelliSence technology.
• Debugger: Used for locating and fixing program errors; includes source-level and machine-level debugging, as well as breakpoints and step-through execution.
• Designer: Provides visual tools for creating GUI applications and connecting them to data sources; includes the Windows Forms Designer and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) Designer, as well as a Web designer, class designer, data designer, and data mapping designer.
• Extensions: Extends the functionality of Visual Studio; supports macros, add-ins, and extension packages.

User Community

Visual Studio is used by professional software developers to create commercial software programs. It is also used by Web developers to create dynamic websites and interactive Web applications for the .NET framework. Several Visual Studio User Groups exist around the world, which allow members to share program tips and collaborate on development projects.

Screenshots:

Start Page	New Project	C# Form Design
F# Hello, World!	UI Configuration	View Options
Extension Manager	Open Project Types	Open File Types

Features:

• Software editing, building, debugging, and unit testing tools
• Support for C/C++, C#, Visual Basic, F#, SQL, CSS, JavaScript, and other languages
• Program deployment to Windows, Web, Cloud, and SharePoint platforms
• Customizable environment
• One-year access to latest Microsoft platforms

System Requirements:

Windows

• Windows XP (x86) w/ SP3, Vista (x86 & x64) w/ SP2, 7 (x86 & x64), Server 2003 (x86 & x64) w/ SP2, Server 2003 R2 (x86 & x64), Server 2008 (x86 & x64) w/ SP2, Server 2008 R2 (x64)
• 1.6GHz processor
• 1GB (32 Bit) or 2GB (64 Bit) RAM
• 3GB free disk space
• 5400RPM hard disk drive
• 1024x768 display with DirectX 9 support
• DVD-ROM drive