An integrated development environment (IDE) is an essential tool for productive and efficient C++ development. A good C++ IDE provides features like intelligent code editing and completion, debugging capabilities, project management, and integration with version control systems. It makes writing, testing and debugging C++ code much easier.
There are many IDE options available for C++ developers. To help you find the right one, I have compiled this guide on the top 10 best C++ IDEs in 2023 based on features, capabilities, ease of use and community support.
What to Look for in a C++ IDE
When evaluating a C++ IDE, some key factors to consider are:
- Intelligent code editing – Context-aware suggestions, error checking and refactoring capabilities
- Debugging – Visual debugger to step through code and inspect variables
- Build tools – Integration with compilers, SDKs, build automation tools like CMake
- Customizability – Extensibility through plugins and theming options
- Cross-platform support – Availability on Windows, MacOS and Linux
- Community and support – Documentation, guides, discussion forums and expert assistance
The importance of each feature may vary for individual developers based on their needs and experience level.
The Top 10 C++ IDEs
Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are the 10 best C++ IDEs available in 2023:
1. Visual Studio
Microsoft Visual Studio is the most full-featured and popular IDE for C++ on Windows.
Key Features:
- IntelliSense – Advanced intellisense and auto completion
- Debugger – Built-in visual debugger
- Windows integration – Tight integration with Windows SDKs
- Cross platform – Support for Linux and MacOS via Visual Studio Code
- Extensions – Broad extension ecosystem
Best for: Windows developers looking for a feature-packed commercial IDE with great debugging.
2. CLion
CLion is a cross-platform C and C++ IDE built specifically for developers working on Linux, Windows and MacOS.
Key Features:
- Code analysis – Real-time code quality analysis
- Debugger – GDB/LLDB and integrated visual debugger
- CMake support – Full CMake project integration
- Code completion – Intelligent code completion powered by machine learning
- Customizable UI – Terminal, editor, themes and layouts
Best for: Developers who need an intelligent and customizable cross-platform IDE.
3. Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is a free, open-source C, C++ and Fortran IDE available for Windows, MacOS and Linux.
Key Features:
- Debugger – Built-in debugger supporting GCC and GDB
- Code completion – Semantic-aware code completion
- Extensible – Support for plugins and extensions
- Portable – Small standalone installation without dependencies
- Open source – Free and open source under GPL license
Best for: Developers looking for a free and portable IDE for C/C++ development across platforms.
4. Qt Creator
Qt Creator is a free, open source IDE tailored for apps development with the Qt framework.
Key Features:
- Qt integration – Seamless integration with Qt framework
- UI design – Integrated Qt Quick Designer
- Debugger – Integrated debugger with memory analyzer
- Testing – Integrated unit testing for Qt Test and Google Test
- Platforms – Build for desktop, mobile and embedded platforms
Best for: Developers working with Qt framework to build cross-platform GUI apps.
5. Eclipse CDT
Eclipse IDE with CDT (C/C++ Development Tools) is a free, open source IDE for C and C++ based on the Eclipse platform.
Key Features:
- Extensible – Highly flexible and extensible via plugins
- Cross-platform – Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
- CMake support – Project import from CMake possible
- Debugging – GDB debugger integration
- Analysis – Built-in static code analyzer
Best for: Developers who need an open and extensible IDE that works across operating systems.
6. NetBeans
NetBeans is an open source IDE ideal for C, C++ and a wide array of other development technologies.
Key Features:
- Integrated – Seamlessly work with C/C++ and other dev languages
- Debugger – Integrated C/C++ debugger
- Testing – Integration with testing tools like CTest
- Profiling – Integrated profiler to identify bottlenecks
- Documentation – Context-sensitive code documentation
Best for: Developers working with diverse languages and seeking an integrated dev environment.
7. XCode
Xcode is Apple’s free IDE tailored for macOS, iOS, watchOS and tvOS development.
Key Features:
- iOS dev – Seamless Swift and Objective-C development
- Debugging – Interactive debugger with automated profiling
- Interface Builder – Drag and drop interface construction
- Testing – Native testing frameworks XCTest and XcodeBot
- Deployment – Streamlined build and signing process
Best for: Mac and iOS developers seeking a fully integrated platform.
8. CodeLite
CodeLite is a free, open source cross-platform IDE supporting C, C++, PHP and JavaScript development.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform – Windows, MacOS and Linux support
- Extensible – Extensibility via plugins
- Debugging – Integrated debugger using GDB/LLDB
- Code completion – Semantic-aware code completion engine
- Testing – Unit testing integration
Best for: Developers seeking a free and hackable IDE for C/C++ and web development.
9. Dev-C++
Dev-C++ is a lightweight, portable C++ IDE built to provide a simple development environment.
Key Features:
- Simple interface – Clean and unintimidating UI
- Portability – Small installer without dependencies
- Code completion – Basic code completion capabilities
- Debugging – Integrated debugger with Code::Blocks
- Active community – Continued development via community involvement
Best for: Beginners starting out with C++ looking for a simple portable option.
10. CLion EDU
CLion EDU is the free educational version of JetBrains’ robust CLion IDE tailored for computer science and programming learners.
Key Features:
- Feature-rich – Full-featured IDE for smooth learning curve
- Course templates – Tailored C and C++ course assignments
- Testing – Integrated test runner and auto-grading
- Terminal – Built-in terminal to run programs
- Educational guides – Programming how-tos and teacher resources
Best for: Educators and students leveraging CLion for computer science education.
Wrapping Up
Determining the right C++ IDE ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a developer. This guide covers some of the top options that provide great features while catering to different users.
Visual Studio continues to be the most popular all-round IDE for Windows developers. But excellent alternatives like CLion and Code::Blocks are cross-platform, hackable and free. Qt Creator and XCode shine for developers working within those native frameworks.
Hopefully this overview gives you a headstart in shortlisting and trying out some great C++ IDEs suitable for your projects!
