--- description: C is a general-purpose programming language that is extremely popular, simple, and flexible. It allows you to develop firmware and portable applications. C language combines the features of Low level as well as High-level Language. title: 21 Best C IDE (Editor) for Windows & Mac in 2026 image: https://www.guru99.com/images/4/code-c-ide.png --- [Skip to content](#main) C is a general-purpose programming language that is extremely popular, simple, and flexible. It allows you to develop firmware and portable applications. C language combines the features of Low level as well as High-level Language. There are numerous IDEs that offer smart code completion and validate errors in real time. These tools have a syntax checker and debugger for quickly editing C programming code. Following is a handpicked list of Top C IDE, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software. Editor's Choice [![Dreamweaver](https://www.guru99.com/images/dreamweaver-logo.png)](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh "Dreamweaver") [Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh) Dreamweaver is a popular C Development Tool. This tool helps you to create, publish, and manage websites. It offers flexible coding, Seamless Live View editing, Multi-monitor, and Redesigned. It Provides numerous plugins like Code View. [Visit Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh "Dreamweaver") ## Best C Editor (Compiler) for Windows, Mac and Linux ### #1) [Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh) I found [Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh) to be a good C Development Tool during my evaluation. Here are the reasons why: #1 Top Pick [![Dreamweaver](https://www.guru99.com/images/dreamweaver-logo.png)](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh "Dreamweaver") [Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh) 5.0 **Live Preview:** Yes **Drag-and-drop interface:** Yes **Supported Platforms:** Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS **Free Trial:** 7 Days Free Trial [Visit Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh "Dreamweaver") #### Features: - **Starter Templates:** Dreamweaver offers a variety of starter templates that I can customize 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 >>](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh) 7-Days Free Trial --- ### #2) [Zoho Creator](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-creator-low-code-tool) I found [Zoho Creator](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-creator-low-code-tool) to be a versatile low-code development platform I could use to build and deploy custom applications with minimal hand-coding. Here are the reasons why: #2 [![Zoho Creator]()](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-creator-low-code-tool "Zoho Creator") [Zoho Creator](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-creator-low-code-tool) 4.9 **Live Preview:** Yes **Drag-and-drop interface:** Yes **Supported Platforms:** Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS **Free Trial:** 15-Days Free Trial [Visit Zoho Creator](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-creator-low-code-tool "Zoho Creator") #### Features: - **Visual App Builder:** I could assemble applications with a drag-and-drop builder, which let me design interfaces and logic without writing extensive code. - **Pre-Built Templates:** Zoho Creator offers a wide range of ready-to-use app templates that I customized to get projects running quickly. - **Cross-Platform Apps:** I can build an app once and run it across web, iOS, and Android without rebuilding it for each device. - **Deluge Scripting:** For advanced logic, I used its Deluge scripting language to add custom workflows, validations, and business rules. - **Integrations:** Zoho Creator connects with hundreds of third-party services and APIs, so I linked my apps to the tools my team already used. - **Built-In Analytics:** It provides dashboards and reports that helped me visualize data and track how my applications performed. [Visit Zoho Creator >>](https://guru99.link/recommends-zoho-creator-low-code-tool) 15 Days Free Trial --- ### #3) Code::Blocks Code::Blocks is open-source IDE for writing programs in C. It supports GCC (GNU Compiler Collection). This app allows you to write full breakpoint conditions. ![Code::Blocks]() #### Features: - It provides workspace to easily combine more than one project. - You can quickly switch between multiple programs. - Code::Blocks has a feature that automatically completes the code. - You can build more than one project simultaneously. - This C IDE for Mac provides a tabbed interface. - You can use this app on Windows, Linux, and macOS. **Link:** http://codeblocks.org/ --- ### #4) Eclipse Eclipse framework is a website development tool for C programming. It is one of the best C IDE that highlights the syntax you have written. This tool enables you to easily debug the program. The app can automatically complete the code. ![Eclipse]() #### Features: - It provides you readymade code template. - This tool automatically validates syntax. - It supports code refactoring. (A process of improving internal code structure). - Eclipse enables you to manage the project remotely. - It is a cross-platform IDE. **Link:** https://www.eclipse.org/downloads/packages/release/kepler/sr2/eclipse-ide-cc-developers --- ### #5) CLion CLion is a tool developed by Jetbrains. It helps you to quickly solve errors in the program. This IDE enables you to analyze the performance of your application with no hassle. ![CLion]() #### Features: - Programmers can effortlessly run and debug programs. - It helps you to test individual units of source code. - This software helps you to manage your project and code effectively. - CLion enables the developer to customize the editor. - It automatically set formatting while you write code. - Supported platforms are Linux, Mac, and Windows. **Link:** https://www.jetbrains.com/clion/ --- ### #6) Visual Studio Code Visual Studio Code is open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It is one of the best C IDE for Mac which provides smart code completion based on variable types, essential modules, and function definitions. The tool enables you to control multiple versions of one program with ease. ![Visual Studio Code]() #### Features: - This IDE can work with the Git version control system. - You can debug code easily. - It supports numerous extensions for including new languages, themes, and more. - Visual Studio Code can be used on Windows as well as Mac operating systems. **Link:** https://code.visualstudio.com/ --- ### #7) NetBeans NetBeans is an integrated development environment for writing C programs. It has a project window that shows a list of projects currently exists. The tool can automatically complete the brackets. ![NetBeans]() #### Features: - It can highlight code syntax. - This C Editor application is integrated with the GNU debugger. - NetBeans supports varieties of compilers. - You can set exceptions, variable, function breakpoints, etc. and view them in the Breakpoints window. - It automatically adjusts indent and format the code. - This tool highlights variables and keywords in your C program. - NetBeans IDE offers readymade templates for writing C code. - Platforms are OS X, Windows, Solaris, and Linux. **Link:** https://netbeans.org/features/cpp/ --- ### #8) CodeLite CodeLite is an open-source tool for writing programs in C. It enables you to restructure your existing C code. This Integrated development environment can highlight the syntax you have written. You can use this application for free. ![CodeLite]() **Don't Miss:** - [C# vs C++: Difference Between Them](https://www.guru99.com/cpp-vs-c-sharp.html) - [How to Install GCC Compiler on Windows](https://www.guru99.com/c-gcc-install.html) - [Strings in C: How to Declare & Initialize a String Variables in C](https://www.guru99.com/c-strings.html) - [calloc() Function in C Library with Program EXAMPLE](https://www.guru99.com/calloc-in-c-example.html) #### Features: - CodeLite can be integrated with cscope integration (text-based interface to search a code). - You can customize syntax colors. - This tool helps you to find files effortlessly using a tree view. - The supported platform is OSX, Linux, and Windows. **Link:** https://codelite.org/ --- ### #9) PlatformIO PlatformIO is a software for a writing program in C language. It offers smart code completion for professional application development. ![PlatformIO]() #### Features: - It supports dark and light color themes. - It offers advanced search facility for keywords, known or missed headers, etc. - PlatformIO tool supports more than 200 embedded boards. - This IDE can be used on Windows, Linux, and Mac. **Link:** https://platformio.org/platformio-ide --- ### #10) Sublime Text Sublime is an IDE used for developing a project using C language. This tool enables you to jump to symbol, word, or line using a keyboard shortcut. It is one of the best IDE for C Programming that offers a command palette for changing the syntax. ![Sublime Text]() #### Features: - Sublime text provides API to extend the features. - It highlights the syntax. - You can quickly go to the definition of class or method. - Supports shortcuts for ease of access. - Sublime Text provides a command palette to hold frequently utilized functionality. - It is available for Mac, Linux, and Windows. **Link:** https://www.sublimetext.com/ --- ### #11) K Develop K Develop is open-source IDE for writing a C program. It allows programmers to work on a project of any size. This program helps you to improve the quality of code. The tool offers customizable color schemes and shortcuts. ![K Develop]() #### Features: - It uses a version control system like Git, Subversion, Bazaar, and CVS. - You can jump to function declaration or definition. - It can highlight the code. - This tool supports Solaris, Linux, macOS, Windows, and more. **Link:** https://www.kdevelop.org/ --- ### #12) Apache Arrow Apache Arrow is a software framework for developing applications in C. This application can highlight the code. It supports numerous varieties of industry-standard [programming languages](https://www.guru99.com/best-programming-language.html). ![Apache Arrow]() #### Features: - It supports columnar layout that can be optimized for data locality. - You can develop programs fast. - It provides numerous computational libraries. - This tool is organized for the efficient operation of analytic on modern hardware. - Supported platforms are Linux, Windows, and macOS. **Link:** https://arrow.apache.org/ --- ### #13) Lazarus IDE Lazarus is a program for rapid application development. This tool offers numerous components and graphical form designer to create a complex GUI. It has an integrated debugger for the testing program. ![Lazarus IDE]() #### Features: - Automatic synchronization between code and GUI forms. - You can add or make changes in existing code components without any hassle. - It is capable of handling large projects. - You can project on any operating system and compile it. **Link:** https://www.lazarus-ide.org/ --- ### #14) Brackets Brackets is open source editor for developing web applications. This tool can highlight the pair of brackets. It enables you to customize UI available quickly. ![Brackets]() #### Features: - It helps you to quickly edit the C code. - You can connect your browser in real time. - You can efficiently manage the project. - Provides preprocessor support, live preview, and inline editors. - This app can be used on Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems. **Link:** http://brackets.io/ --- ### #15) Emacs Emacs is a Unix based tool that provides a highly customizable feature. This application provides a packaging system for installing and downloading numerous extensions, and it supports syntax coloring. It offers complete built-in documentation. ![Emacs]() #### Features: - Supports Unicode for numerous human scripts. - You can customize this app using the Emacs Lisp code. - Emacs offers complete built-in documentation. - This app offers a tutorial for new users. - You can use this software on GNU, Windows, or mac operating system. **Link:** https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/ --- ### #16) VI/VIM Editor VI/VIM Editor is a software for a writing C program. It offers a good search and replaces text facility. This program can highlight the syntax. The software has in-built facility for comparing files. ![VI/VIM Editor]() #### Features: - It provides shortcuts for ease of access. - VI/VIM Editor supports screen splitting editing more than one file. - The tool can edit compressed files. - It includes multiple undo and redo facility. - This application can be used on UNIX operating system. **Link:** https://www.vim.org/ --- ### #17) Notepad++ Notepad++ is a code editor that can be used with Windows. This tool highlight syntax and keyword. It helps you to work with multiple open files in a single window. ![Notepad++]() #### Features: - This C IDE for Windows highlights brackets written in the C program. - You can zoom in or zoom out the screen. - Macro (Automatic expandable instruction) recording and playback is possible. - You can easily customize GUI in your computer. - It supports the multi-language environment. - Supported platform is Windows. **Link:** https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ --- ### #18) Codeanywhere Codeanywhere is editor for writing C program. It enables you to easily customize your development environment. This software helps you to build a program from PC, tablet, and mobile phone. ![Codeanywhere]() #### Features: - It offers command prompt in the cloud. - This application enables you to share the project with your colleague. - It allows you to set permission for each share. - It allows you to compare two files side by side. - It enables you to save changes to a remote server. - Codeanywhere helps you to move or copy a folder from one server to another. - Supported platform is Windows. **Link:** https://codeanywhere.com/ --- ### #19) Geany Geany is a C Editor software that uses GTK open-source toolkit. This editor autocompletes words or brackets. It enables you to customize themes and adding new file types. The tool provides a symbol list that helps you to know where the symbol is defined. ![Geany]() #### Features: - Developers can easily add new plugins or improve the existing ones. - You can easily compile and execute code. - It simplifies project management. - Supports code folding (selectively hide and display file). - It can auto-close HTML and XML tags. - Supported platform is Windows and Linux. **Link:** https://www.geany.org/ --- ### #20) AWS Cloud9 Cloud9 is a cloud-based editor that enables you to write, run, and debug code with any browser. It is one of the best software for C Programming which helps you to work from anywhere using an internet-connected machine. This IDE has an inbuilt image editor to resize, crop or rotate images. ![AWS Cloud9]() #### Features: - You can adjust panels in any direction by simple drag and drop. - It has an integrated debugger to set a breakpoint. - This tool has a built-in terminal that enables you to see the command output from the server. - It supports keyboard shortcuts for easy access. - You can share the development environment with your development team. - Cloud9 offers a variety of themes. - A supported platform is a cloud. **Link:** https://aws.amazon.com/cloud9/ --- ### #21) Koding Koding is a C compiler for Windows. It enables you to write and share the C program on any infrastructure for distributed applications. This app allows you to connect your local development workflows and tools to the cloud with a single command. ![Koding]() #### Features: - It enables you to collaborate with other people. - Your team can find inefficiencies in the program. - It is designed for large teams to save time on configuring dev environments. - You can seamlessly develop a project in the cloud. - Administrators can provide secure user permissions. - You can deploy more than one ([VMs (Virtual Machines)](https://www.guru99.com/best-virtual-machine-software.html)). - Supported platforms are Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. **Link:** https://www.koding.com/ ## What is the IDE in C? [C](https://www.guru99.com/c-programming-tutorial.html) is a middle-level programming language that was developed at Bell Lab in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie. 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. Editor's Choice [![Dreamweaver](https://www.guru99.com/images/dreamweaver-logo.png)](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh "Dreamweaver") [Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh) Dreamweaver is a popular C Development Tool. This tool helps you to create, publish, and manage websites. It offers flexible coding, Seamless Live View editing, Multi-monitor, and Redesigned. It Provides numerous plugins like Code View. [Visit Dreamweaver](https://guru99.click/jsx4bh "Dreamweaver") #### Summarize this post with: ChatGPTPerplexityGrokGoogle AI **Stay Updated on AI** **Get Weekly AI Skills, Trends, Actionable Advice.** ##### Sign up for the newsletter Subscribe for Free You have successfully subscribed. Please check your inbox. ![AI-Newsletter]() Chosen by over **350,000+** professionals [Scroll to topScroll to top](#wrapper) Scroll to top × Toggle Menu Close Search for: Search ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization","name":"Guru99","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/Guru99Official","https://twitter.com/guru99com"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#logo","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/guru99-logo-v1-150x59.png","contentUrl":"https://www.guru99.com/images/guru99-logo-v1-150x59.png","caption":"Guru99","inLanguage":"en-US"}},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#website","url":"https://www.guru99.com","name":"Guru99","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/4/code-c-ide.png","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/4/code-c-ide.png","width":"200","height":"200","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-c-ide.html#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":"1","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"2","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/c-programming","name":"C Programming"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"3","item":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-c-ide.html","name":"21 Best C IDE (Editor) for Windows & Mac in 2026"}}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-c-ide.html#webpage","url":"https://www.guru99.com/best-c-ide.html","name":"21 Best C IDE (Editor) for Windows & Mac in 2026","dateModified":"2026-07-09T15:00:58+05:30","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/4/code-c-ide.png"},"inLanguage":"en-US","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/best-c-ide.html#breadcrumb"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/author/benjamin","name":"Benjamin Walker","description":"I'm Benjamin Walker, an expert in C, C++, and C# programming, providing resources to enhance your coding proficiency and project outcomes.","url":"https://www.guru99.com/author/benjamin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/benjamin-walker-author.png","url":"https://www.guru99.com/images/benjamin-walker-author.png","caption":"Benjamin Walker","inLanguage":"en-US"},"worksFor":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/#organization"}},{"image":{"@id":"https://www.guru99.com/images/4/code-c-ide.png"},"headline":"21 Best C IDE (Editor) for Windows & Mac in 2026","description":"C is a general-purpose programming language that is extremely popular, simple, and flexible. 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