CL.exe is a 32-bit tool that controls the Microsoft C and C++ compilers and linker. The compilers produce Common Object File Format (COFF) object (.obj) files. The linker produces executable (.exe) files or dynamic-link libraries (DLLs).
To find a particular compiler option, see one of the following lists:
For information on specifying options, see:
Use NMAKE to build your output file.
Use BSCMAKE to support class browsing.
Linker options also affect how your program is built.
To compile without linking, use /c on the command line or click the Compile command on the Build menu.
Building a C/C++ Program | Setting Compiler Options