Why should i download and use the engines source code?

Development Programming & Scripting
1
  1. I intend to program my own gameplay basic mechanics in C++, can i do it without Source code?
  2. What are some example things i can do with the engine source code?
  3. Are the any disadvantages to using the express version of VS 2013?
2

  1. probably not. how will you know what functions to use without working examples?

  2. you can study it, compile it, edit it, expand it, expose it, debug it, search it, and understand it.

  3. disadvantages require multiple elements to compare. you only mentioned 1 thing, so no, there are no disadvantages to using Visual Studio Express 2013, because when compared to nothing, its perfect.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms349441.aspx