Alex scrolled down past ".NET desktop development," past "Universal Windows Platform," and checked the box for: That was it. On the right, Alex saw optional components. Unchecked "Live Share" (not needed), unchecked "C++ CMake tools" (not needed for basic work). Left "MSVC v142 - VS 2019 C++ x64/x86 build tools" checked (critical).
The estimated size: about 4 GB. Much smaller than 8 GB. visual studio c++ 2019 download
Alex needed a compiler—specifically, Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC). The latest version at the time was part of Visual Studio 2019. But a quick web search showed terrifying results: "Visual Studio 2019 download" led to a page full of confusing editions: Community, Professional, Enterprise. And rumors of an 8 GB download. Alex felt lost. Alex scrolled down past "
Chapter 1: The Problem
The small vs_community__...exe downloaded in seconds. Alex double-clicked it. Left "MSVC v142 - VS 2019 C++ x64/x86
Many people download all 8 GB by accident. Alex learned the secret: .