Move C++ app with Boost from Linux to Windows with Visual Studio 6

Question

I made a small program with Boost in Linux 2 yrs ago. Now I want to make it work in Windows. I found there are few .a files in my libs folder. I am wondering how to make it works in Windows? do I need to build Boost in Windows to get library or I can download somewhere? I am using Visual Studio 6.

Answer 1

Yes, you'll need to recompile for different platforms. Coincidentally, I posted instructions on this not long ago.

I hugely recommend you do not use Visual Studio 6. It's very dated, and terribly non-conforming. You can get the newer versions for free, as Express. You won't be missing anything.

Answer 2

Many boost libraries are header-only, you don't need to link against anything to use them. Libraries such as boost::filesystem require you to build libs appropriate for your platform and link against them.

Precompiled boost for MSVC7,8,9 can be found here (in the hope that you follow GMan's advice and get rid of VS6 …)