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First, I install Vim (Text Editor) in Typical type, on this Windows 7 laptop. And this user that I'm using is an administrator on this computer but couldn't open file in “Program Files” location for writing with Vim. So I change my :cd current directory to my $HOME.

Note: I already have installed Visual Studio Express for Windows Desktop. I just want learn how to use this.

  1. Can I compile C++ code using Vim in Typical type alone on Windows?
  2. If it's possible, then what's the process for compiling C++ code?

I have hello.cpp file but I can't compile it. I already use :comp gcc and :make and the output is: 'make' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

But when I use :comp msvc and :make, the output is: 'nmake' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

Now, what should I do? If it's not possible using Vim alone, how can I compile using Vim with the compiler on my VS Express for Desktop?

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    vim cannot compile C/C++ code by itself. You need to have a compiler for that. Commented Sep 6, 2013 at 9:22
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    msbuild will come with vs, not make Commented Sep 6, 2013 at 9:23
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    Use :!<CommandHere> to execute a command in vi. I never use this feature though, I always have a separate terminal open where I do make from because it is much easier to read and respond to compiler output that way. Commented Sep 6, 2013 at 9:23
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    Though I approve of using vim and the command line, why not open Visual Studio and compile from there (under the build menu)? Commented Sep 6, 2013 at 9:24
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    You need to set up your PATH environment variable properly for nmake to be found - it's located in one of the VS installation folders - or start vim from the "VS command line" shortcut. Commented Sep 6, 2013 at 11:17

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VIM is a great text editing tool,its like an awesome version of notepad.But it's not a compiler,neither has a build in compiler of itself.So In order to compile the program you'll need a separate compiler installed,like You can use MinGW.

See This : How to use MinGW make with Vim on Windows

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If you would like to help me deeply, please read my previous comment on Pavel K's answer: stackoverflow.com/questions/18654191/…
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Vim is just an editor tool. To compile a program you need a compiler tool chain. The one that Visual Studio use is Microsoft Visual Studio C++ Compiler, so you could use it. Or install and use gcc.

The make file that you are generating is used by make utility to actually compile the code for you. There is a Windows version of this tool.

However I would suggest you to perform minimum steps to compile a c++ program manually for better understanding of the process:

Create source .cpp file -> Create object file with a compiler-> create executable with a linker

Good step-by step instructions for Visual c++ here

If you prefer to use gcc, these are good links how to install and use it on Windows.

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Vim already included $VIMRUNTIME\compiler\gcc.vim script? So you mean, to be able to use it, I need to install gcc?
@Servant no - you usually use make on linux with gcc to get things to compile. Visual studio does it differently. Or, you can also install a make utility and use that. See msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms235639.aspx for command line instructions
I thought the compiler made object files, and the linker linked them?
@PavelK Now I know how to compile a C++ program on the command line of Developer Command Prompt for VS2012. Now how can I compile on the command line with Vim and what is the purpose of the command :comp msvc? What is the use of a script in the /compiler directory such as $VIMRUNTIME\compiler\msvc.vim script? I thought msvc means “Microsoft Visual C++”. And what is the use of :make?

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