

MinGW build environments often contain an entire POSIX development environment that can be used to develop both native Windows software using POSIX build tools and POSIX software that runs on Windows with the help of an emulation layer. Most distributions of MinGW include a whole host of other tools that can be used to build and assemble software on Windows using the familiar GNU toolset.

Most MinGW installations, however, include much more than just a compiler. If you are interested in a quick rundown of this new functionality, check out our latest GoingNative episode on Channel 9. MinGW ( Minimalist GNU for Windows), in case you are not familiar with it, is a compiler in the GCC family designed to run natively on Windows.

The latest preview improves support for alternative compilers and build environments such as MinGW and Cygwin. Building cross-platform C and C++ code is easier than ever with Visual Studio 15.3 Preview 4.
