13 Best Free C++ IDE (Editor & Compiler) for Windows

C++ is a general-purpose object-oriented programming language developed by Bjarne Stroustrup. It contains the features of C programming language as well as Simula67 (a first object Oriented language).

There are many Integrated Development Environments (IDE) that provide readymade code templates to write C++ programs. These tools automatically adjust the indent and format of code. IDE’s help to code your application in less amount of time.

After researching 35+ Best Free C++ IDEs and spending over 90+ hours in evaluation, I am sharing my trusted insights about the ultimate tools available, including both free and paid options. My in-depth and well-researched article provides a comprehensive guide featuring the best C++ IDEs along with their pros and cons. This exclusive, must-see content will help you make an informed decision. Read on to discover verified, insightful details that can guide you to the perfect IDE for your needs. Read more…

Best Free C++ IDE (Editor & Compiler) for Windows, Linux, Mac

C++ IDE Name	Supported platforms	Free Trial	Download Link
👍 Dreamweaver	Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS	7-Days Free Trial	Learn more
👍 Zoho Creator	Android and iOS	15-Days Free Trial	Learn more
Visual Studio Code	Windows, Linux, Mac	Free and built on Open source	Learn more
Eclipse	Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux	Lifetime Free and Open source	Learn more
Codelite	Windows, Linux, and macOS	Lifetime Free and Open source	Learn more

1) Dreamweaver

I found Dreamweaver to be a good C++ Development Tool during my evaluation. Dreamweaver is a popular Web Development IDE Tool. This tool helps you to create, publish, and manage websites. A website created with DreamWeaver can be uploaded to any web server.

Features:

• Starter Templates: Dreamweaver offers a variety of starter templates that I can customise to quickly build HTML emails, About pages, blogs, e-commerce pages, newsletters, and portfolios.
• Creative Cloud Integration: As part of Adobe Creative Cloud, Dreamweaver integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products. I can easily bring assets from my Creative Cloud Libraries and Adobe Stock to enhance my websites.
• Responsive Design: Dreamweaver provides tools for designing and developing responsive websites that work across different screen sizes and devices. I liked using live previews and real-time edits.
• Code Editor: Dreamweaver includes a powerful code editor that supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. It offers code hints, syntax highlighting, and code introspection for quick and accurate coding.
• Real-Time Browser Preview: I can preview my websites in real time in multiple browsers and devices simultaneously.

Visit Dreamweaver >>

7 Days Free Trial

---

2) Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code proved itself as one of the best c++ ide choices in my assessment. I tested its smart code completion that works with variable types, core modules, and function definitions. I discovered that it is great for speeding up coding tasks. In my opinion, it is a remarkable IDE for C++ developers.

Features:

• It is one of the best c++ ide for windows that can work with Git version control system.
• You can debug code easily using this c++ programming software.
• It is one of the free c++ ide which supports numerous extensions for including new languages, themes, and more.
• Visual Studio Code can be used on Windows and Mac operating systems.
• It provides best c++ compiler and you can control multiple versions of one program with ease.

Link: https://code.visualstudio.com/

---

3) Eclipse

Eclipse is a versatile IDE, and I found it to be one of the best C++ IDE options for coding. I particularly liked how Eclipse highlights C++ syntax, which made it easier for me to spot errors. Eclipse also allowed me to debug C++ code effectively, helping me save time during the process.

Features:

• This online ide tool automatically validates syntax.
• It supports parser ( a part of the compiler).
• Eclipse enables you to manage the project remotely.
• It can be used on platforms like Windows, Linux, and OS X.
• This c++ programming software tool generates Makefile that contains instructions for how to build your C++ program.
• It provides readymade code templates.

Link: https://www.eclipse.org/ide/

---

4) Codelite

CodeLite is an open source tool for writing programs in C++. I tested it and found it impressive for code refactoring. The syntax highlighting feature helps me read and understand the code faster. It allows you to work smoothly across Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a great option for developers.

Features:

• Codelite can be integrated with Cscope integration (text-based interface to search a code).
• You can customize syntax colors.
• This online ide tool helps you to find files effortlessly using a tree view.
• It is one of the best ide for c programming and c++ that has a command palate that holds functionality like sorting, changing the syntax, etc.

Link: https://codelite.org/

---

5) CLion

CLion, by JetBrains, is an IDE for C++ that I evaluated, and it offered me a great way to code effectively. In my experience, the tool helps me resolve errors swiftly, streamlining my development process. I found that this IDE for C++ is perfect for performance analysis, aiding in efficient application assessment.

Features:

• You can effortlessly run and debug your program.
• It helps you to test individual units of source code.
• You can integrate CLion with CVS (Concurrent Versions System) and TFS (Team Foundation Server).
• You can customize the editor the way you like.
• This software helps you to manage your project and code effectively.
• It automatically set formatting while you write code.

Link: https://www.jetbrains.com/clion/

---

6) Emacs

Emacs stands out as a Unix-based editor with extensive customization options. I found that it ranks as one of the best C++ IDEs for Mac, offering syntax highlighting. During my research, I could run Emacs on GNU, Windows, and Mac Operating System, which makes it a great option for cross-platform developers.

Features:

• It is one of the best c++ editor that supports Unicode for numerous human scripts.
• It provides a packaging system for installing and downloading numerous extensions.
• You can customize this app using the Emacs Lisp code.
• Emacs offers complete built-in documentation.
• This app offers a tutorial for new users.

Link: https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/

---

7) Notepad++

I reviewed Notepad++ as a reliable C++ IDE tool. It helped me edit code on Windows without any issues. The tool highlights syntax and multiple keywords, which I particularly appreciate for clear code visibility. I could manage several files in one window, making it one of the easiest ways to organize my projects.

Features:

• It highlights brackets written in C++ program.
• You can zoom in or zoom out the screen.
• Macro (Automatic expandable instruction) recording and playback is possible.
• GUI is customizable.
• It is one of the best editor for c++ which supports the multi-language environment.

Link: https://notepad-plus-plus.org/

---

8) Netbeans

NetBeans impressed me as the best C++ IDE for Windows. I could easily find a project window that lists all active projects. This feature allowed me to manage my tasks smoothly, making it one of the top choices. In my experience, it is perfect for both beginners and seasoned developers who need reliable project management.

Features:

• You can set exception, variable, function breakpoints, etc. and view them in the Breakpoints window.
• It automatically adjusts indent and format the code.
• You can easily see the structure of the C++ class.
• This tool highlights variables and keywords in your C++ program.
• It automatically completes the brackets.
• Netbeans is one of the free c++ ide that offers readymade templates for writing C++ code.

Link: https://netbeans.apache.org/front/main/download/index.html

---

9) Codeblocks

Codeblocks impressed me with its open-source versatility. I tested it across different systems and found it ranks among the best C++ IDEs for macOS. It offers great features like GCC and Visual C++ support. It was helpful to have a tool that runs smoothly on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Features:

• This c++ editor provides one of the best c++ compiler and workspace to easily combine more than one project.
• Codeblocks has a feature that automatically completes the code.
• You can build more than one project simultaneously.
• It allows you to write full breakpoint conditions (stop the execution of code if the expression is true).
• You can quickly switch between multiple programs.
• It is one of the free c++ ide app which provides a tabbed interface.

Link: http://www.codeblocks.org/

---

10) Cevelop

Cevelop is one of the best C++ IDEs for developers. I could migrate variable declarations to the new syntax effortlessly. It helped me identify uninitialized variables quickly, making coding smoother. In my opinion, it is a top-notch option if you are looking for the best C++ IDE for developers.

Features:

• It makes code more readable by using global namespace (a name representing one entity).
• This software has a template view that displays detailed template information.
• It helps you to analyze and optimize the code.
• Cevelop supports Ctylechecker plugin to find mistakes in the program.

Link: https://www.cevelop.com/

---

11) Kdevelop

Kdevelop is a free IDE made for C++ developers. I found that it works well on many platforms, including Windows and macOS. It offered me a smooth experience, allowing me to work on my projects without any issues. In my opinion, it is great for developers who aim to code with ease. It is one of the most popular choices for C++ coding because it runs smoothly on Linux and Solaris.

Features:

• It is one of the best ide for c programming and c++ which provides language support for OpenCL (Open Computing Language).
• You can jump to the declaration /definition code.
• Kdevelop helps you to quickly search for any function or class.
• It can highlight code having different meanings and usage.
• This c++ editor tool provides one of the best c++ compiler and can highlight the occurrence of same variable in a particular color.
• You can assign shortcuts to every action in this tool.
• This tool supports version control systems like Subversion, CVS, Perforce, and more.

Link: https://www.kdevelop.org/

---

12) SlickEdit

SlickEdit is a cross-platform IDE that I evaluated for C++ development. In my experience, it is among the best C++ editors, supporting a wide range of over 60 languages. I could load large source files effortlessly, which made my tasks faster. It is a great option for anyone seeking an efficient IDE that handles large files and multiple languages seamlessly.

Features:

• You can customize menu items.
• It enables you to open a file without typing a path.
• Easy to integrate Subversion, CVS, etc.
• You can expand a common block structure.
• SlickEdit can automatically formats code when pasted.
• You can create multi-platform GUI dialogue boxes.
• This c++ editor software automatically saves the file after a period of inactivity.

Link: https://www.slickedit.com/

---

13) Graviton

Graviton is a versatile tool that I tested, and it made C++ coding smoother for me. I found that it helped me manage my code with greater accuracy. It is among the best C++ editors, and I particularly liked that it is available in English, Spanish, and other languages. This may help those looking for a solution in various languages.

Features:

• It is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms.
• Graviton keeps your data on your PC instead of server.
• You can hide unwanted code in the editor.
• This tool has an explorer panel that helps you to select files or folders for copying, moving, or deleting.

Link: https://graviton.netlify.app/

What is the IDE in C++?

C++ is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language developed by Bjarne Stroustrup. An IDE generally contains a source code editor, a debugger, build automation tools. IDE’s help to code your application in less amount of time.

How Did We Choose the Right IDE for C++?

At Guru99, credibility is our top priority, focusing on accurate, objective, and reliable information. After researching 35+ Best Free C++ IDEs and dedicating 90+ hours to evaluation, I am sharing my trusted insights on the top free and paid tools available. Choosing the right C++ IDE depends on individual needs, so it is a good idea to explore different options that align with your workflow. Check out below important factors that can help you make an informed decision and find the most intuitive, supportive choice for your development process.

• Ease of Use: Choose an IDE with a user-friendly interface, especially if you’re a beginner.
• Project Type: Are you working on small projects, large applications, or embedded systems? Different IDEs cater to different project scales.
• Operating System: Ensure the IDE is compatible with your OS (Windows, MacOS, Linux).
• Debugging Tools: Robust debugging capabilities can save you a lot of time and effort.
• Integrated Build Tools: Having integrated build and compile tools can streamline your workflow.
• Version Control Integration: If you use Git or another version control system, ensure the IDE supports it.
• Documentation and Tutorials: Good documentation and a wealth of tutorials can help you get up to speed quickly.
• Community Support: An active community can be invaluable for troubleshooting and tips.

Verdict:

I reviewed the most popular C++ IDEs that provide a secure and customizable environment. If you are looking for a reliable solution for your development needs, check my verdict.

• Dreamweaver: This IDE offers a phenomenal experience for both coding and design, making it a powerful choice for comprehensive C++ development.
• Visual Studio Code: A top-rated IDE that is cost-effective, highly customizable, and ideal for creating versatile C++ projects with its robust extension marketplace.
• Eclipse: Eclipse stands out as a comprehensive and reliable choice for C++ development, providing strong support for complex projects with its extensive range of plugins.