That depends on what you mean by reliable. If you mean does it conform to the C++ standard then no, it is not reliable. Look up the 'Microsoft specific' headings under each topic in the help file. In most cases these are enhancements to the standard, but there are a few diversions from the standard you need to watch out for, particularly if you intend to port your code to another C++ implementation.
If you mean can it be used to write reliable programs then yes, it can. However, reliability in this sense is mostly your own responsibility as programmer. The code provided by Microsoft is, for the most-part, reliable. Microsoft use the same code in-house so if a problem can be replicated then a hotfix or workaround is usually not far behind.
The complete history of Visual C++ can be found in the "Visual C++" article in Wikipedia.
Visual C++ 6.0 is more than 16 years old. It is no longer available to buy and it was never available for free. The current version is Visual C++ 2013.
Your question request a comparison between apples and pears. C++ is a programming language. Microsoft Visual C++ Express is one of many development tools that you can use to create programs using the C++ programming language. Microsoft Visual C++ Express supports native C++ development, and supports development in 'managed C++,' a Microsoft-specific derivative of the C++ language, aimed specifically at the .NET platform.
You can download latest version of Visual Studio from microsoft.com
The Express edition of C++ does not require a serial code. It is free.
Microsoft developed Visual C++.
The complete history of Visual C++ can be found in the "Visual C++" article in Wikipedia.
No, M$ Windoze only.
Yes. Microsoft Visual C++ is the correct name, but it is often abbreviated to MSVC++ or just VC++. They are all the same.
Yes.
No. Visual C++ Express is free, but Visual Studio C++ must be bought. The Express edition is a subset of the Studio release.
Nevermind, I did it.
Visual C++ 6.0 is more than 16 years old. It is no longer available to buy and it was never available for free. The current version is Visual C++ 2013.
Microsoft Visual C++ or Embarcadero C++ Builder (formally Borland C++ Builder).
Chuck Sphar has written: 'Learn Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 now' -- subject(s): C++ (Computer program language), Microsoft Visual C++ 'Learn Microsoft Visual C [plus plus] 6.0 now' -- subject(s): C
The switch / case statement.
As much as your car can fly.