v142

V142 is a platform toolset version used by Microsoft Visual Studio for compiling C and C++ projects. It corresponds to the Visual Studio 2019 toolchain and is identified in project settings as the platform toolset option (for example, “Visual Studio 2019 (v142)”). The v142 toolset includes the MSVC compiler, linker, libraries, and headers that are compatible with the Windows SDK editions shipped with Visual Studio 2019.

The toolset governs the compiler version, runtime libraries, and associated build tools used when building a project. By selecting v142, developers can target the Windows SDKs and runtime behavior available with Visual Studio 2019 while maintaining compatibility with code written for that toolset. It is common to use v142 to build modern Windows applications or libraries that still require compatibility with projects created under VS 2019.

Availability and usage: The v142 toolset is distributed as part of Visual Studio 2019 and can be installed or updated through the Visual Studio Installer. In a project, the platform toolset can be changed in the project’s properties under General settings. When migrating projects from older toolsets, developers may need to address header or library compatibility and recompile dependent components.

Relation to other toolsets: Visual Studio supports multiple toolsets, such as v100, v110, v120, v140, and later versions like v143. The v142 toolset sits between earlier VS2017/VS2015 toolsets and later toolsets, enabling gradual upgrades and compatibility management. It is superseded by newer toolsets as development environments evolve but remains relevant for projects targeting the VS 2019 toolchain.