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8 Best C++ IDEs to use in 2023

Maria 🍦 Marshmallow on January 24, 2023

Today’s post is devoted to 8 popular C++ programming environments. Many of them also support other languages. Contents Microsoft Visual Studio ...
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Phoebe Green

It sounds like you have provided a thorough overview of the different C++ IDEs available and offered some advice on how to choose the right one for an individual's needs. It would be beneficial to also include information on the operating systems the IDEs are compatible with and the target audience (e.g. beginners, professionals, etc.).

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Yes, that is correct. It's always good to have that information as it can help users to narrow down their choices based on their operating system and skill level, I'll keep that in mind 😊

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Sergiy Yevtushenko

Why need to install JDK is a "cons"? By the way, Eclipse CDT also requires JDK.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

I considered it as a "con" because if the user does not have the JDK installed on their system, he or she needs to go through the process of installing it before use the IDE.

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Sergiy Yevtushenko

Most IDE's require installation of plugins for comfortable work or even to be usable for particular project. Should it also be considered as "con"?

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Whether or not the need to install plugins is a "con" depends on the perspective of the user. For some, the ability to customize and extend the functionality of an IDE through the use of plugins is a major advantage. However, for others, the need to install and manage multiple plugins may be seen as a drawback.

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Sergiy Yevtushenko

I did mean particular case, when IDE is not usable for project without some plugin. For example, if IDE doesn't support cmake without dedicated plugin.
Anyway, I understand your point, although not completely agree with it.

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Yuri Borisoff

Qt Creator is available as free community version in every Linux distro. No "one month" restriction or any registration is required.
As a pros:

  • It supports different build system: cmake, qmake, qbs
  • Has no built-in compiler, so you can use any (GCC, clang, msvc)
  • Supports remote debugging
  • Paid version has Squish integration

Cons:

  • it's refactoring capabilities is much worse than CLion has
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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Thank you, Yuri, for such a detailed clarification regarding QT Creator!

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Dmitry Mineev

I surprised why JetBrains IDE wasn’t included in the list. I didn’t use it for C++ coding but I use for other languages (ruby, python, PHP, JS) and I’d say it’s the best product.
And I don’t see VSCode in the list. It’s free, but with some plugins it could be better than some paid products.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

The list I provided is not exhaustive and there are many other excellent IDEs available, including JetBrains IDEs and VSCode. Maybe in my next list I can mention those two IDEs ☺️

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anes

For the more advanced coders: Vim is great and improves development speed. Has a very steep learning curve but learning it pays dividends.
If you want to get into it but don't know where to start: JetBrains IDEs and VSCode both have a very good vim plugin to get you started without having to completely switch

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

I agree with you on that matter, I personally like in Vim that there are tutorials and resources available online to help you getting started with Vim, such as Vim tutorials, Vimcasts, and Vim Adventures.

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Dogers

Except Sublime Text can't be "used for free" - it's a piece of commercial software you're supposed to buy a license for after evaluating it.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

That's true, thanks for mentioning that!

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Dogers

Sorry, I don't mean to belittle your (actually fabulous) list, it just grates when people ignore licenses :)

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

No problem, it's important to be aware of licenses when using software or other works 👌🏻

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Danish Saleem

Great list of IDEs for C++ 🚀

Here's one I personally prefer: DevC++

You can download it from here: bloodshed.net/

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Thanks for mentioning this IDE, I've never used it 👍🏻

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Danish Saleem

Give it a try then😁

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Steven L

Emacs. Learned it years ago, never stopped using it.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Great one, actually!

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Rafael Henrique Capati

There is "10x Editor", a new high performance C++ editor.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

I'm not familiar with this editor, but thanks for sharing!

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Roy

What's about neovim?

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

I believe that Neovim can be configured to work as an IDE with the help of plugins, but it is not a default setting for it. Mostly it is used just as a text editor.

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Conor Gibson

Maria, you could also mention any recent updates or developments for each IDE, this would be great! Overall the post is extremely informative, thank you so much👍🏻

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Thank you for your feedback, I'll keep that in mind 👌🏻

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headsink #KultusRakyat 🇮🇩🇲🇾🇧🇳🇹🇭🇵🇭🇬🇧

Why no VS Code in those list? VS Code capable of C++ too.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

As I mentioned above, the list I've provided is not exhaustive. While VS Code can be used to write and edit code in C++, it does not have the same level of built-in functionality and features as a dedicated C++ IDE. However, it can be extended with plugins and extensions to add those features.

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Amanda Swensen

It appears that you have provided a solid foundation for someone looking to choose a C++ IDE, thanks☺️

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

I'm glad that I could be of help! Choosing the right IDE can be a big decision and it's important to consider all the options and factors before making a decision.

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Nikita Selyavin

VS Code + clangd extension is very nice as for me. Also it provides helpful inline hints

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Great suggestion, Nikita 👍🏻

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DEV King

How come Sublime is an IDE? It's a code editor at best.

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Sublime Text is considered by many to be a code editor rather than a full-featured IDE. That being said, some developers may use Sublime Text with additional plugins and external tools to make it function as an IDE for their development needs. The term IDE is often used in a broad sense, and different people may have different definitions of what constitutes an IDE.

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lightbluewind

The ultimate free C++ course: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtYx79a...

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Maria 🍦 Marshmallow

Thanks for sharing!

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Brian Kirkpatrick

...Yeah. This. The addon environments are great and with cmake you can easily extend to any build target you want. LLVM on Windows? Bam! The days of monolithic C-family IDEs are well in our rear-view mirror, and that's a good thing.