This book covers the C++11 standard, and the associated C++ Standard Library. For the vast majority of this book, any C++11 compliant compiler is suitable. This includes compilers from Intel, IBM, Sun, Apple, and Microsoft, as well as the open source GCC compiler.
This book uses Visual C++ 2017 Community Edition because it is a fully featured compiler and environment, and it is provided as a free download. This is a personal choice of the author, but it should not restrict readers who prefer using other compilers. Some of the sections of the last chapter on Diagnostics and Debugging describe Microsoft-specific features, but these sections are clearly marked.