What is Microsoft visual c plus plus 2005 redistributable?

A redistributable file(not just an MS VC++ 2005 redistributable) is a file that the software vendor allows you to redistribute along with derivative works that you provide using their software. Most redistributables are DLL's, which are shared libraries. The software product depends on these libraries, and derivative work that you write, such as programs using that compiler, also depend on these libraries. In terms of C++, examples are the run-time library and the class libraries for Microsoft Foundation Classes. The file is "redistributable" because the license you have permits you to bundle that file with your product, usually contained within an installer package. You need to very carefully read the license agreement, and make sure you know exactly what is considered "redistributable", and what is not. An example of a non-redistributable file would be a debug version of the run-time library. Usually, Microsoft redistributables are contained in a REDIST directory created when you install the product but, again, read the license agreement.