The mentioned runtime libraries refer to different versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages, which include necessary components for applications developed using Microsoft Visual C++ to run on a user’s computer. Here are the key differences between these versions:
- VC2005 Runtime Library:
- Released in 2005, it includes runtime components for applications developed with Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.
- VC2008 Runtime Library:
- Released in 2008, it provides the necessary runtime components for applications built with Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio 2008.
- VC2012 Runtime Library:
- Released in 2012, this version is associated with Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio 2012.
- VC2015 Runtime Library:
- Released in 2015, it includes the runtime components for applications developed with Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio 2015.
- VC2019 Runtime Library:
- Released in 2019, it provides the necessary runtime components for applications developed using Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio 2019.
Each new version typically includes updates, bug fixes, and improvements over the previous ones. Developers choose the version based on the tools and features available in the corresponding Visual Studio version and the requirements of their applications. It’s common for systems to have multiple versions installed, as different applications may be built with different versions of Visual C++. When you install a program, it may include the required redistributable package to ensure that the necessary runtime components are available on the user’s system.
