[vlc] Software need to compile and/or edit VLC source code

[M el]

1 - What software tools will I need to be able to compile and/or edit
VLC source code on Windows XP and Windows 7 ?

2 - I read VSC is written in C, C++, Objective-C and lua - do I need
tools for all?

3 - What SDK's are the developers using?

4 - If a C and/or C++ SDK and Compiler will do it... what is the most
popular Open Source C and C++ SDK?

5 - Will Microsoft Visual Studio Express also work?

6 - And is the the place for developers to post questions?

FYI
 - My prior experience has been with a lot Assembly Language,
Basic/Visual Basic, Microsoft ASP, PSP, and a little C.
- And I do understand Object Oriented Programming so I don't
anticipate issues there.
- I'll just need a little hand holding to select the right tools, get
them installed, and do my first compile :)

So thanks to anyone for any help.