Should I compile a C++ on a third party program or cmd?

How many of you uses a third party program here like Dev C++? I'm confused, do they work the same or is it better on cmd? I had downloaded MinGW (it's for cmd) just in case but I was taught to use Dev C++ on school, does it matter or no?

 

They're not all that different. Either way you're going to have to write commands to compile your code. I'd recommend that you compile and run some code with cmd so you can get the hang of it, but using Dev C++ will probably be easier to use. For instance Dev C++ can tell you if your code has an error before you compile it.

Once your program gets a little more complicated you'll need to create a makefile. A makefile is a file that has the (cmd) commands for your code. If your using cmd or Dev C++ you're still going to need a makefile.

It might be confusing at first but, but spare yourself future pain and create makefiles for your code. Here's a tutorial, but there's a bunch more if you search for them.
http://mrbook.org/blog/tutorials/make/

 

Aren't makefiles unnecessary with programs like Visual studio?

 

Not necessary since you can just do them inside the program.