If it's the newest (or at least newer), than it's good.

It's used in the Game Dev industry, and supports a bajillion platforms.

what's best CodeWarrior or MSVC6, for games programming?

If you plan to do game programming WITH DIRECTX, do not make the mistake of purchading codewarrior. I cannot say for sure how good the compiler is, but VC++ 6 is your best beat for windows programming in general. Since you are a student, you can pick up VC++ 6 from E-bay for about $50.

Despite its lame name is Metrowerk's CodeWarrior a good compiler for C/C++? The reason I ask is that I'm taking an AP comp science class and we are offered the opportunity to buy our own copy at a discounted rate ($65). I'd like to be able to do some game programming with DirectX, and if I remember correctly it supports it...but does anyone have any experience with CW? How is it?

Thanks

CodeWarrior's compiler(s) are top notch.

It supports Macintosh, PowerPC, Win32/NT, Solaris, Linux (Red Hat and SuSe currently), PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Palm Pilot, Nucleus, Neutrino, VxWorks, MIPS, and even more.

Each compiler is fined tuned for great code generation. If they weren't good, they couldn't generate the sales revenue to maintain them all!

Overall, I think its a matter of preference. They both have their merrits.

CodeWarrior has excellent support for DX by the way.

(I'm playing devil's advocate here, I currently use MSVC.)