Best IDEs for C/C++ developers: Review and comparison

Keeping track of all the available integrated development environments (IDEs) and developer tools is not easy, but they dramatically improve workflows, reduce debugging time, and increase productivity. IDEs provide capabilities beyond traditional text editors by combining compilation, code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging, and testing in a single interface. Without such tools, developers would have to use these components separately, which slows down the programming process.

The choice of IDEs is great, and for C++ we have narrowed down the list to the best options, taking into account the pros and cons of each environment. In the end, personal preferences play a decisive role, but our selection will help you make an informed decision. So, here are the best IDEs for C++ for 2022.

Benefits of using IDEs

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) significantly increase developer productivity by providing rapid implementation and standardisation of tools. Without IDEs, developers spend a lot of time selecting and customising individual tools, which slows down the process. IDEs bring together all the tools needed to develop and test software in a single interface, simplifying workflow and reducing training time.

The benefits of IDEs include automating tasks, streamlining work and improving development efficiency, which reduces the time it takes to create software. IDEs not only allow code to be written and tested faster, but also make it easier to find and fix errors in large amounts of data. As a result, developers get more satisfaction from their work and improve the quality of the final product.

Main IDEs for C/C++ developers

Visual Studio Code

It is a popular open source code editor created by Microsoft for Windows, Linux and macOS. Built on the Electron framework, it has quickly become sought after by developers due to its flexible customisation, including changing the theme and keyboard shortcuts. Key benefits include debugging support, syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion and built-in Git control. Visual Studio Code supports multiple programming languages such as C, JavaScript and Python, making it a powerful tool to increase developer productivity.

Eclipse

A powerful and free IDE popular among developers of C/C++ and other languages. It is easy to use and was originally created for Java, but now supports many programming languages. Eclipse runs on Windows, Linux and macOS and offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Key benefits include support for static code analysis, intelligent code completion, Git integration and cross-platform operation.

NetBeans

This is a free and open source IDE that supports Windows, Linux, macOS and Solaris. It offers an easy drag-and-drop interface and many templates for projects in C/C++ and other languages. NetBeans provides cross-platform support, a rich set of plugins, and easy project management. Intelligent code editing and remote project management make it a great choice for developers.

Sublime Text

A cross-platform code editor that supports multiple programming and markup languages. It is known for its elegant interface, high performance, and support for extensions through plugins. Sublime Text runs on OS X, Windows and Linux and offers quick code navigation and smart completion features. Its high customisability and support for multiple selections make it a powerful tool for developers.

Atom

It is a customisable open source text editor developed on the GitHub platform. It supports OS X, Windows, and Linux, offering many plugins to extend its functionality. Atom features a simple interface and support for intelligent autocomplete, as well as a package manager for installing plugins. Key benefits include cross-platform support, multi-panel capability, and easy text search and replace.

Code::Blocks

A free and customisable IDE for C/C++ that supports Windows, Linux and macOS. It uses wxWidgets to create the GUI and is easily extensible with plugins. Code::Blocks offers intelligent code completion, easy navigation and built-in syntax highlighting. This IDE also provides comprehensive debugging support and compatibility with various operating systems.

CodeLite

This is a popular cross-platform open source IDE for C and C++ development. It supports Windows, Linux and macOS, offering excellent compiler support and debugging tools. CodeLite includes spell checking, Clang-based code completion and plugin support for Git and Svn. Its ease of use and customisation flexibility make it an effective tool for developers.

SlickEdit

A powerful cross-platform IDE that supports over 70 programming languages. It provides both text and source code editor features, including multi-tabbing and SmartPaste. SlickEdit provides high performance and flexibility, supporting Raspberry Pi, macOS, Linux and Windows platforms. Key benefits include extensible structure, cross-platform dialogue creation and debugger integration.

Lazarus

A cross-platform IDE designed for rapid application development using many inbuilt components. It supports the creation of complex graphical interfaces and automatic code synchronisation. Lazarus runs on all major operating systems and provides tools for managing large projects. This IDE also supports Delphi code conversion and the creation of both commercial and open source applications.

CodeWarrior

A full-featured IDE designed to accelerate application development on Windows and Linux. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface, powerful macro assembler and automation of complex programming processes. CodeWarrior provides fast access to all project components and a high level of code optimisation. This IDE supports the creation of cross-platform applications in C, C++ and Java.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing an IDE depends on your specific needs and preferences, each offering unique features and benefits. Regardless of which development environment you choose, all of the options discussed will help you improve your productivity and quality of C/C++ programming. Determine what is important to your workflow and choose the IDE that best meets your requirements.