Port from 32-bit VC++ version 6.0 to 64-bit ?
I have an application written in MS VC++ in version 6.0 IDE. It is time for me to turn it into a 64-bit App (mostly because I sometimes need to deal with large data and I'm getting close to memory limits within my 32-bit app).
What is the path to get to 64-bit? My guess is, that rather than do this in my version 6.0 IDE on my XP box, I need to first move my app to my copy of VS2008 on my Win7-64 box -- is that correct? Then I have to work thru any glitches in just re-building my app in VS2008. Then, finally, somewhere in VS2008 I throw some switch to say "please compile and link as a 64-bit app" -- is that correct? Where is this switch? Then after I work thru all the reasons it doesn't compile and link in 64-bit mode, I then need to test, to find all places where I assume an int was 32 bits, and stuff like that. Correct? Can someone verify my roadmap or correct it? I was surprised that it is hard to find a *simple* and *cogent* (i.e. for dmmies!) explanation of these steps - so finally decided to ask my expert friends! Thanks.
What is the path to get to 64-bit? My guess is, that rather than do this in my version 6.0 IDE on my XP box, I need to first move my app to my copy of VS2008 on my Win7-64 box -- is that correct? Then I have to work thru any glitches in just re-building my app in VS2008. Then, finally, somewhere in VS2008 I throw some switch to say "please compile and link as a 64-bit app" -- is that correct? Where is this switch? Then after I work thru all the reasons it doesn't compile and link in 64-bit mode, I then need to test, to find all places where I assume an int was 32 bits, and stuff like that. Correct? Can someone verify my roadmap or correct it? I was surprised that it is hard to find a *simple* and *cogent* (i.e. for dmmies!) explanation of these steps - so finally decided to ask my expert friends! Thanks.
jkr
Well, I'd like to alter the start of your roadmap by recommending to get the latest Platform SDK (http://www.microsoft.com/download/dlx/en-us/listdetailsview.aspx?id=8279). Then I'd first try to fix all issues that arise from going from VC6 to VC8 (there will be some) and only after that do this "throwing the switch" thing, which mainly will consist of creating a Win64 build target for your then matured solution.
ASKER
OK, sounds good. Can you briefly tell me what the latest Platform SDK does for me? And I assume that goes on the "new win7 computer which hosts my VS2008" -- correct?
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ASKER
Although I can think of several more related questions, I think its best to accept your solution and head off on this roadmap.... I have a feeling I'll be posting some follow-on questions. Thanks JKR!
You're most welcome ;o)
BTW, while we're at this: Be sure to port your code as 32-bit to VS2008 with "64-bit Warnings Enabled" (Project Properties|General) to catch the most obvious problems early in the process.
BTW, while we're at this: Be sure to port your code as 32-bit to VS2008 with "64-bit Warnings Enabled" (Project Properties|General) to catch the most obvious problems early in the process.