10 Best IDEs for C and C++ Developers

High level programming languages are still the main stay of computation. There are many languages which comes with lot of promise but are dead within few years of their launch. However there are some gems which emerged from the first generation of computers but are still very popular and relevant. C and C++ are both very popular and still actively used across applications and systems worldwide. These two languages are still active among programmers because of their powerful set of features and excellent security.

C and C++ are those unique languages which every programmer should know, because these languages forms the base for popular programming languages like Python, PHP, Pearl, Java, C# and many others. Also, these programming language are extensively used even by the skilled programmers to work with the hardware.

So, if you are a C or C++ Programmer or even a beginner, who has a great will to learn both of these languages, then here in this post I am rounding out some of the impressive IDEs for you. IDEs are the best place to make your programming work easy, as it has built-in functions like debugging, code completion, compiling and syntax highlighting, etc.

The main use of IDE is to provide different components of software applications while developing the program. The thing which makes them most favoured amongst the developers is their appealing user interface. A few days ago, I shared IDEs for Linux as well as IDEs for Java, but today I have explored best IDE’s For C/C++ for you. So check out these IDEs and get started with C/C++ development.

1) eclipse
Eclipse is one of the most popular and powerful IDE’s For C/C++ which offers open source utility and functionality for C and C++ programmers. New users can find this IDE as simple to use and work upon.

Features:

• Open-source software i.e available for free
• Supports all platforms Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
• Supports Debugging, Compiling, Profiling, Auto-completion of code and Refactoring i.e (restructuring of code can be performed without changing external behaviour)
• It has great graphical user interface (GUI) to arrange element using drag and drop functionality.
• Also supports Static Code Analysis

2) Code::Blocks

Code::Blocks is a free C, C++ IDE created to meet the most demanding needs of the developers of C and C++. This is an IDE with all features you need for C and C++ development.

Features:

• Works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X as well
• It is designed to be fully configurable and extensible with its plugins.
• Supports Compiling, Debugging, Code Coverage, Profiling, Auto-completion of code
• It is a class browser i.e it can visualize object oriented programming
• Like Eclipse it also has (GUI) to arrange elements using drag and drop functionality and also supports code analysis

3) GNAT Programming Studio

GNAT Programming Studio also known as GPS, is a highly advanced Free IDE that simplifies the interaction between software and their developers. With its natural interface, GPS is easy to use, simplifies source navigation and also helps to highlight the fundamental ideas in the program.

Features:

• Multiplatform support
• Supports Compiling, Debugging, Code Coverage, Profiling, Auto-completion of code
• It is also a class browser like Code:Blocks and also supports Code Refactoring
• Has drag and drop feature to ease the work of programmers

4) CodeLite

CodeLite is an another excellent, free, open source and cross platform IDE for the C/C++ programming languages that runs on all major Platforms (Windows, Linux and OSX)

Features:

• Generic support for compilers and Errors are clickable via the Buildtab
• Supports next generation debugger
• It has amazingly fast and powerful code completion tool based on their in-house parser
• It also has its own RAD tool for building Widgets-based applications
• Supports Static code analysis, refactoring, class browser and profiling

5) NetBeans

Netbeans C++ IDE consists of a lot of project based templates for C and C++, that provides the capability to build applications with dynamic and static libraries in C and C++. It consist of amazing features that make it more popular among web developers.

Features:

• It is a free and open source IDE
• Supports multiplatform
• code completion is fast and supports refactoring for C/C++
• This IDE is well integrated with the multi-session gdb debugger.
• It comes with automatic indentation, semantic highlighting, and formatting (provides a choice of formatting styles), code folding, bracket matching and templates
• You can use development tools on remote hosts to create, execute, and even debug projects from your client system in a simple manner

Also Check: 20 Ways To Learn C Programming For Free

6) Qt Creator

This is another cross platform C++ IDE, but it is not free. Although you will get its free trial version for one month of use.

Features:

• Supports multiplatform
• Supports Debugging, Compiling, Profiling, Auto-completion of code and Refactoring
• Has drag and drop functionality
• supports Static Code Analysis

7) Dev C++

Dev C++ is another good IDE for C and C++ programming languages. It is an open source IDE but supports only Windows platform and not Linux and OS X.

Features:

• Code Completion
• Profiling support
• Class Browser
• Support GCC-based compilers
• Customizable syntax highlighting editor
• Integrated debugging (using GDB)
• Quickly create Windows, console, static libraries and DLLs
• Edit and compile Resource files
• Tool Manager

8) C++ Builder

C++Builder is a great way to get started in building high-performance C++ applications for Windows without database connectivity. It is not a free IDE, has proprietary license. It works on Windows and OS X only.

Features:

• Debugging
• GUI Builder
• Profiling
• Auto completion
• Class browser
• Compiler
• Supports refactoring

9) Anjuta

Anjuta is a versatile IDE comprising a number of advanced programming facilities that focuses on providing simple and usable user interface for powerful and efficient development. Although it is open source software but it supports Linux platform only.

Features:

• Anjuta UI is created to be simple to operate with powerful tools
• Easy wizards and project templates to get started with new projects.
• Fully integrated GDB for on-board debugging
• Project management
• Application wizard
• Source editor
• Profiler and many more tools

10) MonoDevelop

MonoDevelop allows developers to write desktop and web applications on Linux, Windows and Mac OS X quickly. You can also port .NET applications created with Visual Studio to Linux and Mac OS X with same and a single code base for all platforms.

Features:

• Multi-platform
• Advanced Text Editing
• Multiple language support
• Integrated Debugger
• Configurable workbench
• Create web projects with full code completion