software licensing
Microsoft C++ Build Tools (2019) not allowed for use with Visual Studio Code?
<p>Technically, it seems to be possible to use Visual Studio Code as IDE for C++ development in combination with the Microsoft C++ Build Tools (2019), see <a href="https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/cpp/config-msvc" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/cpp/config-msvc</a>. But the <a href="https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/license-terms/mlt031519/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">license agreement</a> for the Microsoft C++ Build Tools 2019 seem to forbid that:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>"You may install and use any number of copies of the software to use solely with Visual Studio Community, Visual Studio Professional, and Visual Studio Enterprise, to develop and test your applications." </p>
</blockquote>

<p>There is no Visual Studio Code mentioned. I do not get this.</p>

<p>(My initial concern was to evaluate if it is legal to use the combination in a commercial application without purchasing a license from Microsoft for Visual Studio.)</p>

<p>I see no reason to doubt your conclusion; since it's not allowed by the license it's forbidden by copyright.</p>

<p>As you figured it, you gain the right to use these tools by obtaining one of those 3 Visual Studio licenses. A Visual Studio Code license is free, so it makes business sense that it doesn't include a license for Microsoft C++ Build Tools. I.e. you can't claim it's an "obvious oversight", as there's a justifiable business reason.</p>

<p>Which license agreement are you referring to? I found this one: <a href="https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/license-terms/mt644918/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/license-terms/mt644918/</a></p>
<p>And by the looks of it, you can use it.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.</p>
<p>One user may use copies of the software to develop and test their applications.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>They updated how to use C++ build tool with VS Code and added this note:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Note: You can use the C++ toolset from Visual Studio Build Tools along with Visual Studio Code to compile, build, and verify any C++ codebase as long as you also have a valid Visual Studio license (either Community, Pro, or Enterprise) that you are actively using to develop that C++ codebase.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The license referred to above is for Build Tools prior to VS 2019. All this is probably linked to the fact they discontinued VS Express after 2017. One solution would be to use the Build Tools of 2017 with VS Code. Compilers are binary compatible.</p>
