Top best IDEs for C/C++ Developers in 2022
Nothing in the current digital world is conceivable without programming. Everything needs programming, from the cell phones in our pockets to self-driving cars. Programming is also necessary for the mouse pointer that you are now moving. Programming expertise enables programmers to interact with computers via their machine language.
We are all aware that anyone can learn several programming languages. However, the programming experts’ preferred language has always been "C." It is one of the first and most significant programming languages.
From 1951 to 1960, the Fortran and Cobol computer languages marked the beginning of the evolution of programming and American computer scientist Dennis M. Ritchie discovered "C" programming in 1972.
C serves as the foundation for several other popular programming languages. C++, which is C's enhanced version, on the other hand, is like C but has more features. Since C is a subset of C++, developers should consider it equally significant. The grammar and code structures of the two languages are identical.
Considering this, we have discussed in this post the top IDEs (integrated development environments) for the C or C++ programming languages.
What are Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)?
An integrated development environment, or simply IDE, is a program or piece of software that programmers use to write code. Offering all the extensive facilities needed for software development, it facilitates programming for programmers. A programmer or developer's productivity can be increased by an IDE due to its quick setup and plenty of tools. Without it, a programmer must spend a lot of time selecting the right tools for the job.
The three main components of an IDE are a source code editor, a build automation tool (compiler), and a debugger. Programmers use the build automation tool to compile codes, while the debugger is used to test or debug the program and find any mistakes in the code. Programmers write their code in the source code editor. These IDEs include extra functionality, source code libraries, unit testing, and object and data modeling.
For various programming languages, including Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, and R, there are currently several IDEs available. Even intelligent code completion is available in modern IDEs to increase programmer efficiency.
Benefits of Using IDEs
The following are some benefits of utilizing IDEs:
- These straightforward editing environments offer several features that facilitate effective and speedy development.
- Less time and effort are required - It has several features and tools that help to organize resources, minimize errors, and provide shortcuts.
- It enables simple type navigation.
- By employing hyperlinks, programmers can reach other members rapidly.
- IDEs can add the right imports and organize imports.
- In the event of any problem or mistake, it can issue a warning.
- IDEs are excellent for creating or finishing code based on existing programs.
- These conditions make it simple to run unit tests.
- In addition, using IDEs has additional advantages depending on the programming language or type.
Best IDEs for C++ and C Developers
While some IDEs handle multiple programming languages, others are tailored to a single language. Here, we'll talk about the top IDEs for the C and C++ programming languages due to their rising popularity and wide range of applications. These two programming languages are the most fundamental and are both widely accepted. All the IDEs listed here support several different languages in addition to C/C++.
1. Visual Studio Code
Microsoft created an open-source code editor for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. The foundation of Visual Studio Code is the electron framework. It was voted as the most popular development environment tool overall in a 2018 Stack Overflow survey. This IDE may also be customized, allowing programmers to alter the theme, keyword shortcuts, and preferences.
Key Advantages
- Assistance with debugging
- Highlighting syntax
- Code snippets, refactoring, and intelligent code completion
- Control for embedded Git
- fully transportable
- simple customizability
C, C++, C#, CSS, Go, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, TypeScript, and many other programming languages are supported.
2. Eclipse
It is one of the most well-liked, effective, and practical IDEs for C/C++ development. It is straightforward and simple to use open-source software. It was initially used for Java programming but is now used for many more languages. On Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, Eclipse can be used. If you experience problems with the Eclipse IDE or compiler, you may report a bug on its website.
Key Advantages
- Excellent graphical user interface that supports drag and drops
- Allows for static code analysis
- Intelligent code completion
- Boosts to productivity
- Integration of Git
- Support across platforms
- Rich neighbourhood
C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, COBOL, Perl, PHP, Python, and other programming languages are supported.
3. NetBeans
It is a popular IDE that can be used with Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Solaris. It is a Java-based, open-source IDE that is free to use. This IDE has an interface with a drag-and-drop function and a collection of useful project templates. Create C/C++ programs using both dynamic and static libraries using NetBeans. Programmers can use it to build C/C++ programs from pre-existing code. It also offers a fantastic set of tools for C/C++ programmers. There are many plugins for NetBeans that can expand the program. Developers can remotely observe the progress of a project.
Key Advantages
- Support across platforms
- A wide range of plugins
- Many programming languages are supported
- Straightforward and effective project management
- Efficient code editing
- A big support networks
Supported programming languages include Java, HTML, HTML 5, C, and C++.
4. Sublime Text
The source code editor is cross-platform and supports various languages, including markup. Along with great functionality and performance, Sublime Text boasts elegant user interfaces and Python application programming. With the help of several community-built plugins, programmers can add other features.
Key Advantages
- Go anywhere - Fast access to any symbols, lines, or words
- It can automatically produce a project-wide index of each class, method, and function.
- Allows for many choices
- Useful palette
- Strong API
- Incredibly customizable
- Cross-platform compatibility with Linux, Windows, and Mac
- Highlighting syntax
- Auto-completion
- Integrators and plugins
Supported Programming Languages: C, C++, Java, and others.
5. Atom
It is one of the highly customizable text editors available for free for personal and commercial use. It has a sizable community and was created and developed by GitHub. This editor may be customized and has a wide range of plugins that increase its functionality. It features a straightforward user interface and supports Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.
Key Advantages
- Support across platforms
- Intelligent auto-completion
- Package supervisor
- Support for plugins
- Several panes
- Options for text replacement
- Enables the command palette
C/C++, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, and other programming languages are supported.
6. Code: Blocks
It is an open-source, free IDE created using the widgets GUI toolkit in C++. A flexible and highly customizable IDE that works on Linux, Mac, and Windows is called Code: Blocks. This IDE can have any function added by installing or programming a plugin. For instance, plugins make it possible to do activities like compilation and debugging. Numerous pre-built plugins and bespoke plugins are supported by Code: Blocks. Programmers can easily customize the IDE in this way and can navigate the tab interface with ease. Originally intended for C++, it can now run C programs.
Key Advantages
- Suitable for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Intelligent code completion
- Simple to navigate
- Clever syntax highlighting built-in
- Comprehensive debugger
- Rich neighbourhood
Supported Programming Languages: C++, Fortran, and C
7. CodeLite
Another nice IDE for programming in C or C++ is this one. It is open-source software that may be used with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, among other popular operating systems. By just clicking on it, customers may learn more about the issues and get excellent help from compilers.
Key Advantages
- Spelling check
- complete words
- Engine for Clang-based code completion
- code completion for PHP and JavaScript
- graphic comparison tool
- Val grind assistance
Supported Programming Languages: C, C++, PHP, and others
8. CodeWarrior
It is an entire IDE renowned for offering an extremely automated and visible foundation for the quick creation of an application. NXP Semiconductors created the program editor, compiler, and debugger CodeWarrior. This IDE is compatible with Windows and Linux OS and can streamline even the most complicated tasks, making a developer's job quick and straightforward.
Key Advantages
- Graphical user interface that is simple to utilize
- Enables one gateway to access all components.
- Project director
- Incredibly optimizable
- Efficient macro assembler
- Accesses several source code components quickly, such as variables and classes.
- Clever linker
- Custom libraries can be created by programmers.
Supported Programming Languages: C, C++, and Java.
9. Dev-C++
It is a fully functional IDE for C or C++. It uses any GCC compiler, including the MinGW variant of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC). For software development, Windows OS is supported.
Key Advantages
- Support compilers based on GCC
- Built-in debugging
- Highlighting syntax
- Completed code
- Project director
- Modified shortcuts
- Manager of tools
- CVS backing
Supported Programming Languages: C and C+
10. MinGW
MinGW, or Minimalist GNU for Windows, offers an integrated development environment with a graphical user interface for Microsoft Windows applications. Additionally, it offers compilers for ADA, Fortran, C, and C++. Instead of relying on any external DLLs, Microsoft must supply the necessary DLL files.
Key Advantages
- Open-source programming toolset that is quick and easy.
- Runs on the Microsoft Windows platform, Linux cross-hosted, or Cygwin cross-native.
- Gives users access to the Microsoft C runtime's features.
- Appropriate for creating native MS-Windows (x86) programs.
Supported Programming Languages: Fortran, Objective-C, C, and C++
11. GNAT Programming Studio
You can use the highly developed IDE GNAT Programming Studio without paying a penny. GNAT has an extremely user-friendly GPS and streamlines communication between software developers and their clients. It streamlines source navigation and draws attention to the program's core concepts. You receive enhanced support for Ada, SPARK, C, C++, and Python with this.
Key Advantages
- Advance intelligence code
- GNAT Pro Multiplatform Support Direct Interface
- supports drag-and-drop functionality in the class browser and code refactoring
- Tools for static and dynamic analysis
12. MonoDevelop
With the help of this text editor, you can create desktop and web programs for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Additionally, MonoDevelop allows for the porting of Visual Studio-made.NET apps to Linux and Mac OS X.
Key Advantages
- Multi-platform
- Sophisticated text editing
- Support for multiple languages
- Built-in debugger
- Adjustable workbench
- Make web applications with fully completed code.
13. QT Developer
A cross-platform IDE called QT Creator offers a free trial version that you can use for a month.
Key Advantages
- Assist several platforms
- Debugging
- Compiling
- Profiling
- Code-completion
- Refactoring
- Drag and drop capabilities
- Static code examination
14. KDevelop
Programmers of C/C++ can use the open-source, cross-platform IDE KDevelop. It is constructed with contemporary technologies for smooth development. Other operating systems outside Windows and Linux can use this. You may work with this IDE no matter the size of your project because it is very expandable.
Key Advantages
- GNU GPL-licensed; supports Python, QML, JavaScript, C/C++, and PHP
- Expert editor
- Semantic analysis of codes
- Rainbow highlighting, as well as code highlighting
- Declaration
- Version management programs
- Context-sensitive
- Without charge
15. SlickEdit
This cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE) even offers capabilities of paid source code, text, and code editors. SlickEdit includes features to replace old code lines with a new arrangement and supports over 70 different languages.SlickEdit leverages its intelligence to intelligently expand function syntax and auto-complete symbols. SlickEdit launches faster than other IDEs do, so you can make quick changes without waiting for them to load fully. You will notice exceptionally fast response times to mouse and keyboard operations because the engine is native C++. You'll value SlickEdit's quickness as soon as it launches.
Additionally, SlickEdit has several project wizards that can speed up the coding process by automating project setup procedures.SlickEdit will automatically indent while you type in most languages, paste content at the correct indent level, and beautify code with the click of a button. Java Live Errors notifies you of any syntactical mistakes as you type, saving you time from having to fix compiler issues.
Key Advantages
- Track several tabs
- Option SmartPaste
- scalable common block architecture
- Create GUI dialogue boxes that are cross-platform.
- Integration of a debugger
16. Lazarus
A cross-platform IDE called Lazarus is used for quick application development. Lazarus provides several tools for use. With the help of this strong IDE, you can even design intricate GUIs because it has a graphical shape designer.
Key Advantages
- Create both for-profit and open-source software
- Make image viewers, image-editing applications, 3D applications, and so on.
- Automatic synchronization
- Adapt current code
- Take on significant projects
- On any OS, compile and project
- Code conversion for Delphi
Conclusion
IDEs help programmers create error-free code more quickly and effectively. Giving the programmer access to several features also boosts productivity. Still, programmers must carefully consider their options when selecting an IDE because each one has pros and downsides of its own.