Visual C++ is the name for Microsoft's implementation of the C++ programming language and its associated development tools and libraries, all integrated within the Visual Studio IDE. C++ is a powerful, high-performance, object-oriented programming language that is an extension of the C language. It provides programmers with a high degree of control over system resources and memory, making it the language of choice for performance-critical applications like operating systems, high-frequency trading platforms, and graphics-intensive games.
In the context of test and measurement, Visual C++ is often used when performance is the absolute top priority or when there is a need to interface directly with low-level C-based libraries or legacy code. While developing in C++ is generally more complex and time-consuming than in C# or VB.NET (due to manual memory management and more complex syntax), it can offer superior execution speed. It is a viable choice for writing applications to control programmable power supplies, and manufacturers often provide examples and support for using their VISA and IVI drivers from within a Visual C++ environment. It is also commonly used to create the core drivers or libraries themselves, which are then called by applications written in other, higher-level languages.
Visual C++ is a programming language included in Visual Studio, an IDE provided by Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft - Visual Studio website (https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/)
For Matsusada Precision LXI-supported products, the programming guide included with the IVI driver explains how to control the power supply using Visual C++.