What is the best FREE alternatives to Microsoft Visual Studi

[DonnaMaselli]

I would like to start working with Microsoft Visual Studio, but I lack One essential item --MVS. . . I would like to find a free alternative that uses the same languages as MVS (Basic, C++. . . ) BUT FREE. I would also like to start working with Soft Image | XSI, but i don't have that either.
<<<<<<Free Alternates to Microsoft VS, and Soft Image. >>>>>>

[JohnHulme]

Eclipse or NetBeans are both great for Java. Eclipse actually also can be used for C / C++. SharpDevelop is recommended for C# and VB. NET.

Microsoft actually has a line of "Express" software that is free. Check hxxp: www. microsoft. com / express / product / default. aspx.