Why are the build tools so large?

Joseph Stavitsky 1 Reputation point
2021-10-15T01:48:25.843+00:00

I installed msvc build tools using vs_buildtools__876224945.1634088986.exe. Could someone please explain why it needs over 4gb? I'm guessing it's not justg installing the compiler binaries?

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Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Setup: The procedures involved in preparing a software program or application to operate within a computer or mobile device.
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  1. Limitless Technology 39,351 Reputation points
    2021-10-18T07:23:30.887+00:00

    Hi there,

    MSBuild is a build tool that helps automate the process of creating a software product, including compiling the source code, packaging, testing, deployment, and creating documentation. So it is not only compiler binaries but also all other linker options for the tools that are installed during the process. It also has a Library file in it .LINK.exe links Common Object File Format (COFF) object files and libraries to create an executable (.exe) file or a dynamic-link library (DLL).

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