Creating an application from scratch in C++ is a tedious task for developers because it is a powerful object-oriented programming language and it can be a little challenging. Hence, it is important to use an appropriate Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to simplify and increase productivity rather than install and maintain separate packages.
The main function of an integrated development environment (IDE) is to integrate functionality such as compiling, code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging, profiling, testing, and much more within one integrated user interface. In your development workflow, you must use these components separately without the help of an IDE. The use of an IDE, on the other hand, can significantly speed up your programming process and provide a better user experience overall.
These IDEs offer an array of features such as code completion, smart indentation, code refactoring, etc. With a wide variety of excellent C++ IDEs, we narrowed the list down to the most effective ones. In this blog, we'll discuss the best C++ IDEs in 2024 that facilitate a developer's life easier. Let's look at what an IDE is, and why you might want to use one before we get into what is the best C++ IDE.
What is IDE?
The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is software that speeds up development and simplifies the process of writing code by providing several functions such as code search, automatic code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging, refactoring, etc. In one environment, it provides a variety of functionality. It is not necessary for every IDE to have all the features. Different IDEs can do different tasks better than others.
C++ IDEs give developers a suite of tools in a single environment instead of installing separate packages for various functions like auto-code completion, syntax highlighting, etc. IDEs enable developers to create software for application-specific platforms, removing obstacles to software development. Web pages, apps, and original software can be created with C++ IDEs.
How Does an IDE Help Us?
An integrated development environment (IDE) simplifies and speeds up the development process. The intuitive interface makes them a wise choice for users looking for simplicity. Because IDEs automatically configure parameters, it is usually easier to start coding right away. Hovering over a keyword displays documentation information, for example, which is one of the key features of IDEs. Additionally, it will tell you if your code contains errors. Developing is less frustrating with all these benefits.
A number of useful features are also available, such as automatic code generation and intelligent code completion. Code-related tasks will be handled by the IDE while you concentrate on logic. IDEs offer many benefits, but these are only a few. There are many C++ IDEs on the market, but they all have their unique features as well as advantages and disadvantages. These IDEs aren't all cross-platform compatible, but they are among the most popular C++ IDEs on Windows as well. If you're working on a C++ project, these can really make a difference.
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How do you choose the best C++ IDE?
IDEs can simplify refactoring, consolidating, and compiling your code. IDEs that are more like classic text editors have fewer bells and whistles. A wide range of features is available with other IDEs, including autocomplete and syntax highlighting tools that help you write code, not just run it. The functionality of IDEs can often be extended with plugins to provide even more functionality. It may be easier to accomplish certain tasks in certain programming languages if you use a specific IDE. Because of this, it's crucial to choose an IDE that balances your needs with those of the language (or languages) in which you're writing code.
The right IDE is essential to supporting your C++ development needs since C++ can be a tricky language to learn. Our recommendations for the best free C++ IDEs can help you get started. It might be worth your while to consider buying a C++ IDE if you need more features and power. Depending on your needs and budget, it all depends.
Best C++ IDE features
C++ is an object-oriented programming language that is general-purpose. It is used for developing operating systems, web browsers, graphics-intensive games, and databases, among other things.
It's essential to choose an IDE that suits your specific needs when it comes to C++ programming.
All of these considerations should be taken into account.
Does the IDE have a good design and is it easy to use?
How customizable are the features?
Does your IDE support other languages besides C++?
Is the IDE powerful enough for your needs?
What is the cost of it?
Are you able to run it on the operating system of your choice? Does the IDE support macOS / OS X if you're an Apple user?
Can it be used on different platforms?
Is it ready to use out of the box, or do I need to set it up or customize it? Can it be integrated with Clang or another C++ compiler (e.g. does it have built-in compiling)?
Is a proprietary IDE with package signing and certificates necessary if you do contract or freelance work?
Is there a way you can do your work with just a text editor or code editor, or do you need a complete IDE?
This comprehensive list of the 12 best C++ editors in 2022 will save you time and effort when choosing one.
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Best C++ Editors
1. Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is an open-source, free C/C++ IDE released in 2005. The IDE was developed specifically for C and C++. A solid IDE should offer the following features: auto-code completion, debugging, and compilation. Code:: Blocks offers those features and more. A configurable plugin provides additional features such as profiling, code coverage, code analysis, drag-and-drop, and more. In comparison to other IDEs that are more powerful and streamlined, some of these features are somewhat simplistic. Despite being designed specifically for C++ developers, Code::Blocks is somewhat simplistic and outdated in some ways.
2. CodeLite
A free and open-source IDE, CodeLite supports C/C++, PHP, and JavaScript, and is built using the wxWidgets cross-platform toolkit, thus running on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD. Based on the Scintilla project, the editor is free and open-source. Using CodeLite, you can manage projects, refactor code, complete code with code completion and syntax highlighting, debug with GNU's gdb, integrate with source code management systems, and more. Additionally, the IDE comes with a wxWidgets creation tool that simplifies the process of creating cross-platform user interfaces.
3. Dev C++
Developers who are a beginner in C++ can get started with this IDE. It provides full-featured, integrated features for free. Delphi is the programming language used in this IDE. C/C++ applications can be built for Windows and console platforms through the MinGW compiler system. It can also be used with other GCC-based compilers, such as Cygwin. This IDE supports integrated debugging (via GDB). Using the debugger, we can perform all of the general debugging operations on the source code.
4. Xcode
Apple's native development environment for macOS is called Xcode. MacOS' Big Sur release features a redesigned interface that's pleasing and customizable for developers. In addition to providing all the tools you need to design, develop, and compile mobile and universal apps that run on Apple Silicon and Intel x86_64 platforms, it is the default choice for many macOS and iOS developers.
In addition to its powerful code editor and project management system, Xcode also includes a source code management system, documentation, interface composer, a virtual environment for testing and simulations on mobile devices and macOS, a graphical debugging tool, continuous integration, static analysis, and LLVM support for C/C++ compilation.
5.CLion
Clion is a modern IDE by JetBrains for running C and C++ on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This tool provides intelligent code aid support, allowing the focus to remain on the most essential aspects of the project. Due to the fact that this is proprietary software, a license must be purchased. This IDE has a number of features, including easier debugging, easier project creation, code refactoring, and smart code analysis.
6. Visual Studio Code
VS Code (Visual Studio Code) is Microsoft's open-source, cross-platform source code editor. As one of the most popular code editors in the industry, VS Code remains one of the most popular tools for developing applications in many languages (not just C++), particularly among Windows users. It was previously only possible to develop on Windows, but now VS Code is available on Mac and Linux as well. Visual Studio Code is lightweight but has powerful features such as debugging, task execution, syntax highlighting, code navigation, and version control.
Visual Studio's IDE counterpart, however, may be better suited for more complex workflows. You can choose between a free version and an enterprise version, both of which provide additional features and support. Also, VS Code offers plenty of extensions that you can download for all your needs, which you can read more about in this list. As a free source code editor, VS Code offers impressive efficiency and portability, coupled with a rich array of powerful features that make it a powerful all-around code edit
7. Apache Netbeans
A Java-based open-source IDE, Apache NetBeans is written in Java and is cross-platform. It was originally called Xelfi and was a student project at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Named after the Delphi IDE for the Pascal programming language, Xelfi was a reference to the IDE. Oracle (which acquired Sun Microsystems) released NetBeans to the Apache project in 2016 after Sun Microsystems purchased it in 1999. The NetBeans IDE offers excellent C/C++ support as well as a debugger, code folding, projects, templates, and Qt Toolkit integration. A community of contributors has developed plugins for it as well.
8. QTCreator
This is an IDE written in C++ that provides features like autocompletion, debugging, and syntax highlighting. Javascript and QML can also be used with it. Through QTCreator, you can design and program graphical user interfaces. Without rewriting the source code, Qt applications can be deployed across desktop, mobile, and embedded operating systems. Depending on the platform, Qt uses C++ and native code.
9. Kite
A key feature of Kite is its artificial intelligence code completion engine, which enables multi-programming language development. Using data from more than 25 million source code files, it intelligently predicts your next keystroke. Up to 47% of keystrokes are saved during development, according to the company. Additionally, Kite can be integrated into popular IDEs and editors such as IntelliJ, Atom, Visual Studio Code, Sublime, PyCharm, and Vim.
10. Eclipse
The Eclipse C/C++ IDE is a great alternative for C++ developers, even though the Java IDE is better known. Its open-source nature, free license, and support for cross-platform development make Eclipse an attractive option for programmers who work in a variety of languages. Debugging, code compilation, diffing files, auto code completion, and debugging are also configurable. As a result of this flexibility, Eclipse is ideal for C++ developers as well as multilingual developers who need to customize their coding environment.
11. C++ builder
A cross-platform, proprietary IDE called C++ Builder is offered by Embarcadero, which makes products like Delphi Pascal. With this tool, you can compile your code using the Clang compiler and access the Boost libraries through a simple interface. Continuous integration, database management, version control integration, and a wide array of plugins are also available. C++ Builder offers a cross-platform debugger and fast compilation. Native Android and iOS app development is also supported.
12. GNAT Programming Studio
C/C++ and other programming languages are supported by GNAT Programming Studio, a free and open-source IDE. Due to its Ada coding and use of the GTK+ toolkit, it is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris. Apart from standard IDE features such as editing, compiling, and debugging, GNAT also supports cross-compilation (compiling for another platform) and debugging (both local and remote). GNAT can also be extended via plugins written in Python.
Conclusion
It is not easy to choose the right IDE for your needs. Hopefully, this list of the most popular C++ IDEs has provided some insight into what is available. Even though we've analyzed the major contenders and the features they offer, nothing can replace firsthand experience. For maximum results, try your favorites from this list with an actual project.
Different situations require developers to use different IDEs. If you're developing a Windows-centric application, Visual Studio may be the most suitable option, and if you're developing a macOS application, Xcode may be the right choice. Independent projects, such as CodeLite, may be helpful to cross-platform projects, particularly those based on wxWidgets. If you use JetBrains products, CLion is a natural choice.
There is good integration between JetBrains tools and its interface and workflow are similar to those of other JetBrains tools. Qt Creator will naturally appeal to Qt developers. It's not necessary to use an IDE either. Visual Studio Code, Sublime, Atom, or Notepad++ are common programmers' editors that are well suited for simple documents.
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