content: The problem can come if the instructor wants the class to be submitting not just the source files, but full project files (i had an instructor like this). So they can easily open up your project in their copy of VC and examine it there.  You (the OP) should definitely speak to your teacher about this. If nothing else, it might get them to clear up the course description in the catalog, but it also might go a ways toward opening a useful line of dialog between you and the teacher. If s/he insist that you use visual studio, I would suggest considering a virtual machine solution or even dual-booting. I can't speak for all schools everywhere of course, but I suspect this won't be the last time you encounter this kind of issue during your education.