I think you are confusing things. C/C++ means that you compile your code to a binary file. You can run this binary either by double clicking the icon or typing the name of the binary at the command prompt (in a command line box window thing). This is possible on Win and Linux.
The alternative is to use a scripting language (no compilation needed) like Python.
The X Windows is necessary since you need to create a GL context using it. Secondly, the video drivers are for X Windows, at least I’m assuming.
Visit ati.com and nvidia.com and you’ll see it is listed like “this requires XFree86 version XXX or version XOrg”
No X windows means no 3D graphics unless someone has written a special driver.