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title: "Building C/C++ Programs | Microsoft Docs"
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# Building C/C++ Programs
You can build Visual C++ projects either in Visual Studio or on the command line. The Visual Studio IDE uses [MSBuild](../build/msbuild-visual-cpp.md) to build projects and solutions. On the command line, you can use the C/C++ compiler (cl.exe) and linker (link.exe) to build simple projects. To build more complex projects on the command line, you can use MSBuild or [NMAKE](../build/nmake-reference.md). For an overview about how to use [!INCLUDE[vsprvs](../assembler/masm/includes/vsprvs_md.md)] to build projects and solutions, see [Compiling and Building](/visualstudio/ide/compiling-and-building-in-visual-studio).  
  
## In This Section  
 [Building C++ Projects in Visual Studio](../ide/building-cpp-projects-in-visual-studio.md)  
 Discusses how to use the Visual Studio IDE to build your C/C++ project.  
  
 [Building on the Command Line](../build/building-on-the-command-line.md)  
 Discusses how to use the C/C++ command-line compiler and build tools that are included in Visual Studio.  
  
 [Building C/C++ Isolated Applications and Side-by-side Assemblies](../build/building-c-cpp-isolated-applications-and-side-by-side-assemblies.md)  
 Describes the deployment model for Windows Desktop applications, based on the idea of isolated applications and side-by-side assemblies.  
  
 [C/C++ Building Reference](../build/reference/c-cpp-building-reference.md)  
 Provides links to reference articles about program building in C++, compiler and linker options, and various build tools.  
  
 [Configuring Programs for 64-Bit](../build/configuring-programs-for-64-bit-visual-cpp.md)  
 Describes how to configure both Visual Studio and the command line to use the 64-bit toolset and how to target 64-bit architectures, and discusses common migration issues when code is moved to 64-bit architectures.  
  
 [Configuring Programs for ARM Processors](../build/configuring-programs-for-arm-processors-visual-cpp.md)  
 Describes the conventions used by ARM processors, and discusses common migration issues when code is moved to ARM architectures.  
  
 [Configuring Programs for Windows XP](../build/configuring-programs-for-windows-xp.md)  
 Describes how to set the Platform Toolset to target Windows XP development.  
  
## Related Sections  
 [Compiling and Building](/visualstudio/ide/compiling-and-building-in-visual-studio)  
 Describes the Visual Studio build system and tools.