Every IT professional, whether beginner or master in the industry has come across one or many IDEs. An integrated development environment is a software app. Thus, it provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development.
An IDE can support one, or many programming languages.
C++ is one of the go-to programming languages nowadays. You can use it for a variety of fields such as software engineering, AI, etc. Also, it is a popular choice for game development when creating graphics.
C++ is known for its powerful performance and fast compilation times. It also provides a wide range of libraries that you can use to create complex programs. Hence, developers use it to develop whole new libraries and functions.
If you are a novice in the programming industry, you will need to search for the best IDE for C++. That will assist you in building quality and head-turning products. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Selecting the Best IDE for C++ Development Process
If you are just starting to code, your experience with using C++ key elements will be slim. However, you can quickly build up some know-how by choosing the right IDE. Next, we’ll cover some essential tips you should consider when selecting the most suitable IDE.
IDE Fees
Generally, multi-featured and cross-platform IDEs are not free. However, there are many fine free integrated development environments. On the flip side, though, they might prove too light on features. Still, for an entry-level programmer, starting with online basic IDE is the perfect way to test the waters. Usually, these basic platforms also have comprehensive guides.
Integrated features of IDE
Fast and top quality should always be a priority, as well as the set of features. The convenience factor is another key element during the selection process.
Compared to the elementary C++ code editors, an updated C++ IDE should offer several extra components.
Those aspects involve various code analysis tools. Also, look for cross-platform support and auto-code completion. Such a set of features makes a great starting point for any novice in the C++ space.
What Types of Programming Languages and OS Work With C++?
Your chosen IDE must be suitable with the latest updated version of the OS.
For example, if you’re using a Windows operating system, look for IDE for Win 11, 10, 7, etc.
How advanced should the chosen OS be?
Before selecting a C++ IDE, you should check the IDEs’ requirements for memory.
Hence, you will also need to check the capability of the system. For example, code completion or navigation uses up a lot of memory.
This will help you understand if you will be able to run other sizable files while using C++.
Debugging competence of the C++ code editor
Debugging is another main feature that is required for a good C++ IDE. An integrated debugging tool manager is an excellent shortcut when inspecting data types.
Other relevant aspects include:
- The C++ IDE needs to be mobile-friendly and have a wide range of APIs
- Good design and intuitive systems
- Support for multiple programming languages
- Several code templates to choose from
- Code refactoring
- Syntax coloring
- Lightweight IDEs offer faster performance
- Multiple plugins and extensions provide additional features
- Available support for Git integration
The Most Popular IDEs for C++ Programmers
Netbeans
Many deem Netbeans the most powerful platform for app development. It is also an open-source code editor for C++ that supports various programming languages. Additionally, it allows cross-platform editing and a neat and intuitive interface. Furthermore, Netbeans extensions and compelling plugins provide supplementary features.
Due to its adaptable nature, it can run on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Solaris. Next, Netbeans offers a drag-and-drop feature and a list of convenient project templates. All things considered, Netbeans provides C++ developers with a great set of features.
Attributes:
- Props up updated Java technologies
- Has a clever code editing feature
- Advanced user interface development processes
- It backups popular programming languages
- A vast library of plugins
CLion
If you are an experienced programmer who works on multiple projects, CLion will be the right fit for you. However, you will be needing funds, since CLion is a proprietary IDE. Still, it provides an integrated graphical front-end base. Hence, you can use it for developing and running C and C++ apps. Also, it includes built-in tools for debugging and profiling applications.
Having these many features, CLion can take up a lot of memory space and burden the CPU. Thus, keep those requirements in mind. As for compatibility, you can run it on Mac, Linux, and Windows OS.
Attributes:
- Applies syntax highlighting while you’re creating the code
- You can easily switch between programming languages
- Has built-in tools for debugging
- Expert-level auto code completion features
- Supports Mercurial, Perforce, and Git
- Wide range of plugins for selection
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a Microsoft-developed IDE that rose to fame among IT professionals. It is also a free open-source IDE. Hence, you can install it on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Additionally, Microsoft offers a C++ plugin you can quickly access from the extension segment. Similarly, the ‘code runner’ is another interesting extension. With it, you can inspect code snippets in great detail.
Visual Studio Core offers reliable convenience, making it quite popular among coders. Plus, you can tailor it to any specific project. Either way, you can avail of its wide range of features.
Attributes:
- Extensive debugging options
- Offers syntax highlighting and smart coding options
- Comes with Git control integrations
- Deep customization features
- Utilize dozens of deployment tools
- Apply aesthetic style sheets views
- Improved automation backup
Dev C++
If you are still a newcomer in C++, then Dev C++ is an excellent choice for you. Firstly, it is a free IDE, so you won’t need a special budget. However, although is an open-source IDE, DevC++ is completely stacked.
Dev C++ is compatible with the MinGW and any GCC-based compilers. Furthermore, it includes a debugger and a code explorer. Finally, it has an extensive library of standard and third-party components.
Attributes:
- Syntax highlighting
- Code completion, refactoring
- Code formatting
- User-friendly code editor
- Open-source IDE
- Opportunity for GUI creation
CodeLite
CodeLite offers many features such as a debugger, auto-completion, etc. Plus, it offers a class viewer and a powerful code editor. Also, this IDE supports many languages such as ASP, HTML, Python, etc.
Hence, CodeLite allows developers to easily compile and run their C++ programs on various platforms. Lastly, it offers support for source control systems such as Subversion and Git.
Attributes:
- Getting it up and running is a breeze
- Utilizes the Clang code completion framework
- Option for tailoring syntax coloring
- You can comb through the files on the tree-like grid
- Full-featured command palate
- Effective beginner platform for writing C++
Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is a C++ construct that comes free of charge. It offers a graphical user interface and project management features. Thus, it assists developers to create code quickly and efficiently.
Code::Blocks also has multiple debugging features, such as breakpoints and code stepping. Therefore, it allows you to quickly hone in on the latest errors. Additionally, it supports plug-ins to extend its functionality.
Attributes:
- Coded in C++, so there is no need for additional libs
- Supports multiple plugins
- It is a free-to-use IDE platform
- Offers multiple compilers like GCC and MSVC++
- Syntax highlighting and a slew of other coding features
- Offers code folding for C, C++, Fortran, etc.
Qt Creator
This is one of the finest C++ IDEs which supports all the basic OS. It is also cross-platform in every sense of the word. Thereby, this IDE enables sharing projects with just one tool on several operating systems.
Qt Creator includes an integrated debugger, a code editor, and a visual GUI designer. Qt Creator also supports source code integration with other development tools. It is highly configurable, allowing developers to tailor the IDE as they wish. Either way, it is well suited for both small-scale and large-scale development projects.
Finally, it is available for free from the Qt website. However, there is one condition, you need to attribute to the Qt project to repay the favor.
Attributes:
- Great design tools: Qt Design Studio, Qt 3D Studio, etc.
- Several incorporated analyzers like Clang-Tidy, Clazy, etc.
- Practical extra features like Qt Core, Qt GUI, Qt QML, etc.
- Reactive and quick IDE
- Advantageous for UI developing
C++ Builder
Built by Embarcadero, this cross-platform IDE has it all. For example, it offers CodeSite logging, application analytics, and refactoring tools. Next, it features an integrated UI/UX designer and debugger.
C++ Builder supports a wide range of development languages, frameworks, and platforms. The list includes Delphi, HTML5, JavaScript, etc. Interestingly, C++ Builder enables mobile app development for Android and iOS, too.
Attributes:
- Supports the complete development lifecycle and codebase redeployment
- Offers improved compilers and a package manager with various options
- Works smoothly with configurations like MSBuild or CMake
- Connects with around 20 databases, such as MariaDB, Server, etc.
- Has the VCL and FireMonkey framework
Coded with Java, this IBM-developed IDE is well-known and has a large community of users. It is also a robust platform, encompassing over 30 programming languages. Naturally, it has a C++ version called Eclipse CDT.
Eclipse has various features such as a code editor, a GUI builder, etc. Additionally, it has a wide range of plugins to enhance its functionalities. Eclipse is famous for its large plugin pool which allows users to further customize the IDE. It is also popular for its user-friendly interface and easy pairings with similar tools.
Attributes:
- Allows for remote management of the project
- Compatible with Windows and OS X
- Has a Makefile function that offers codding guidance
- It comes with ready-made code templates
KDevelop
Lastly, we have the KDevelop cross-platform IDE. This platform uses present-day open-source mechanics. It is one of the most powerful IDEs out there. Additionally, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
It comes with an intuitive user interface that allows you to easily manage your projects. Furthermore, it allows you to compile and debug code, and even collaborate with other developers. KDevelop also provides support for a wide range of languages, making it a great choice for any developer.
Attributes:
- Has a GNU GPL license
- Offers codding with C/C++, Python, QML, etc.
- Has an up-to-date editor
- Offers semantic code analysis
- No fees included
Other C++ IDEs That Are Worth Your Time
GNAT Studio
You have certainly come across this IDE but might know it under the GPS acronym. Currently, the updated version provides a slew of editing functions. For example, there’s a built-in debugger that eases working with any new program. Additionally, the platform offers a variety of utilities you can apply to a situation.
Those include a text editor, a compiler, a data editor, and an image editor. Next, the platform offers a variety of libraries and tools you can freely select from. Interestingly, Python-written plugins enable extensions for this IDE.
Visual Studio
One of the great things about Visual Studio is that it is open source and you can download it from the Microsoft website. Primarily, this code editor allows for creating code in the C++ programming language. It is a very user-friendly IDE and you can set it up on Windows and Mac. However, it doesn’t work on Linux.
Brackets
Brackets is available for free and has a lot of features. If you are looking for an editor for general web development and C++, then Brackets is a great choice.
Cevelop
Cevelop is another powerful debugging tool that enables you to track the changes made to a program. Additionally, it provides a wealth of other features for C++ developers.
JDoodle C++ Complier IDE
The IDE offers a code editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion features. It also provides a compiler and can run programs on its own server. Additionally, it provides a debugging tool and a code checker to identify errors in the code. Finally, it offers a collaborative workspace to share and edit projects with multiple users.
Conclusion On The Best IDE for C++ Programmers to Start Using
The programming environment you use has a decisive impact on the quality of your code. The most important aspect of an IDE for programmers is its feature set. It provides you with the resources you need to write code and develop applications with.
Clearly, IDEs are helpful to IT professionals to code without mistakes and enhance productivity. Certainly, as with many other products, all IDEs come with their own pros and cons. However, spending time comparing between time is a wise choice. Afterward, you can pick the platform best fitted for your next C++ project.
If you enjoyed reading this article about the best IDE for C++, you should check out this one about the best IDE for web development or this one with open-source mobile app development software.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like the best IDE for Java, Flutter, Javascript, and for Mac.
And we managed to create comparative articles like Sublime vs Notepad++, Sublime vs PyCharm, and VScode vs Sublime.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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