Best Visual Studio Build Tools 2017 Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Visual Studio Build Tools 2017? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Visual Studio Build Tools 2017 alongside similar software solutions including Visual Studio Build Tools 2017, Microsoft .NET SDK (x64), Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Visual Studio Installer, Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime, Windows SDK AddOn, Dev-C++, Code::Blocks and Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Visual Studio Build Tools 2017, Microsoft .NET SDK (x64), Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Visual Studio Installer, Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime, Windows SDK AddOn, Dev-C++, Code::Blocks and Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Supported Platforms
 Visual Studio Build Tools 2017
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Supports Windows platforms including Windows 7 SP1, Windows 10 versions; supports various development targets including Universal Windows Platform apps and Android. |
 Microsoft .NET SDK (x64)
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Supports 64-bit Windows operating systems with cross-platform capabilities for Linux and macOS. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Supports Windows desktop and web applications with specific .NET Framework versions. |
 Microsoft Visual Studio Installer
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Supports installation on Windows operating systems with support for multiple Visual Studio versions. |
 Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime
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Cross-platform compatibility supporting Windows, Linux distributions, and macOS. |
 Windows SDK AddOn
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Supports Windows operating systems with tools for desktop, mobile, and multimedia application development. |
 Dev-C++
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Supports Windows operating systems including Windows Vista, for C and Pascal development. |
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Code::Blocks
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Cross-platform support available on Windows, Linux, and macOS. |
 Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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Supports multiple Microsoft Office versions on Windows platform. |
Primary Purpose
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Visual Studio Build Tools 2017
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Provides standalone build tools and compilers to automate build processes without full Visual Studio IDE. |
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Microsoft .NET SDK (x64)
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Offers software development kit for creating .NET and .NET Core applications including additional tools and APIs. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Provides reference assemblies to target specific versions of the .NET Framework during development. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio Installer
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Utility to install, modify, and manage Visual Studio software and components. |
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Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime
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Runtime environment for executing applications developed with .NET Core framework. |
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Windows SDK AddOn
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Collection of additional tools, libraries, and samples to supplement Windows SDK for application development. |
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Dev-C++
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Integrated development environment with built-in compiler and debugger for C, C++, and Pascal programming. |
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Code::Blocks
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Open-source IDE supporting multiple compilers aimed at C, C++, and Fortran development. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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Enables localization support for Office solutions developed with Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime. |
Key Features
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Visual Studio Build Tools 2017
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Includes compilers, debuggers; supports multiple languages like C++, Python; standalone package usable without full IDE; heavy installation size. |
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Microsoft .NET SDK (x64)
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Includes extensive libraries, cross-platform support, command-line tools (dotnet), good community support, supports multiple program languages. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Provides additional reference assemblies; ensures compatibility with specific framework versions; requires internet connection; regularly updated. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio Installer
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Offers customizable installation options; manages updates and uninstallation of Visual Studio; supports multiple languages; may have large file size. |
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Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime
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Free and open-source runtime; modular design; supports containerization technologies like Docker; high performance; potential migration challenges from older frameworks. |
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Windows SDK AddOn
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Includes debugging tools, performance profiling utilities, education tools, support for DirectX technologies; large installation size (~4GB). |
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Dev-C++
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Built-in debugger and compiler; supports both 32-bit and 64-bit builds; easy-to-use GUI with color schemes and drag-and-drop tools; limited advanced features; GPL licensed. |
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Code::Blocks
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Supports multiple compilers (GCC, Clang); plugin support via Plugin Manager; code completion features; simpler user interface; less community support than more popular IDEs. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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'Enables localization in multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese; extensive documentation and community support.' |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Visual Studio Build Tools 2017 stacks up against Visual Studio Build Tools 2017, Microsoft .NET SDK (x64), Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Visual Studio Installer, Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime, Windows SDK AddOn, Dev-C++, Code::Blocks and Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
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Visual Studio Build Tools 2017
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Commercial |
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Microsoft .NET SDK (x64)
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Commercial |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Freeware |
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Microsoft Visual Studio Installer
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Freeware |
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Microsoft .NET Core - Runtime
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Open Source |
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Windows SDK AddOn
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Commercial |
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Dev-C++
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Commercial |
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Code::Blocks
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Open Source |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime Language Pack
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Freeware |