If you're looking at C++ already then I'd recommend Qt. I think it's pretty close to the RAD feeling I remember from C++ Builder and by extension I assume Delphi.

Compared to them it's not strong on data components that allow you to connect a DB to a UI, you will have to write SQL and code for that. But it is a joy to use, cross-platform and at least on the desktop it is free to use if you don't mind LGPL and shipping DLLs/so with your app.

I will certainly take a look at Qt, and other alternatives, but isn't Visual Studio the ultimate tool of all tools? I'd rather start with it from the start, since I'm already familiar with most of the programming paradigms and stuff that isnt tied to language itself, so it's just a matter of learning cpp + IDE, and I figured out I can easily enough start out with VS? Maybe it will have a bit slower learning curve than if i start with Qt, but at the end it will pay off.

Well, in all the C++ universe Visual Studio is a nice tool, but no one will hire anyone for knowing how to use it. It's the libraries and programming language skills that matter.

Qt is like VCL and it can be used within VS or without it. The Microsoft equivalent to VCL is MFC, but I don't think that's a very current skill to have. It's also the opposite of RAD, having to write lots of boilerplate to get something on the screen. I mean that's why MS invented .NET, MFC was unproductive.

Don't learn Qt if you want to find clients.

Care to elaborate? Assuming C++ and UI development of course.

Enterprises are not using Qt.

They are in factory control tools and in-car automation systems, for example.

Although the latter are starting to use J2ME systems as well.

At least that is my feeling from job posts here in Germany.

The grandparent is a consultant, how many of this niche is hiring consultants? What are his chances of having steady (consulting) work using Qt? Let's be reasonable, he has a better chance learning MFC (not that that's a good idea either).

Given how Germany is following USA footsteps of outsourcing and offshoring everything in Fortune 1000, maybe there are some opportunities.

In Germany's case mind you, not sure about other countries.

Qt has gained some momentum in the EDA industry as well.

Are enterprises using C++? If they are, what UI library are they using to write user interfaces?

True, but since if one has a job working for an enterprise like that makes me want to kill myself in a hurry I consider that a feature, not a bug.

QT will get you into C/C++ programming, which will get you into backends, which will get you into much more pleasurable programming jobs. Yes, likely there'll be limited QT usage once you're there, but ...

Could you elaborate? What is wrong with Qt?

There aren't very many consulting jobs for it.