Basic g++ Compiler Question

[FGales]

I am an extreme newbie to linux, but I am not when it comes to C++, in the form of Visual C++.

So Please bear with me.

I just finished downloading the gcc version 3.3. and I want to use it in Text Mode. Which editor should I use in text mode? Will vi work? Bash? 

Does it come with it's own?

Any help you can give will be deeply Appreciatd.

Thanks
Frank G.
Clearwater, FL