C++ (C with Classes) is a high-performance, general-purpose programming language.
This language’s value is evident in building some of the fastest and most critical computer programs.
Throughout its 35+ years in the market, the language has been used to create web applications, robotics applications, industrial applications, and other complex engineering systems.
C++ is valued in the job market, and developers who have mastered the language are sought after.
The first and most vital step while developing projects with C++ is to choose an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
IDEs are applications that allow programmers to develop software in human-understandable language. The IDE is an environment in which the program is implemented, executed, compiled, and debugged.
Several companies provide IDEs for C++. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.
Below, I have listed the Top 6 IDEs for C++ in 2021.
1. Embarcadero C++Builder:
C++Builder, owned by Embarcadero, allows developers to build native applications that deliver performance.
The developer can use the cross-platform IDE to build a desktop (Windows and macOS) and mobile (iOS and Android) software. It is also written in C++ and Object Pascal.
C++Builder has features like debugger, graphical user interface builder, integrated toolchain, and autocomplete. Other highlights of the application are intuitive interface frameworks with beautiful design.
With fast development, it allows native connectivity to more than 20 databases, like Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL. The developer can also use the tool to build IoT applications with easy connectivity to sensors and devices.
Released in 1997, C++Builder is at version 10.4.2 and grants users a free 30-day trial.
2. Eclipse IDE:
The Eclipse IDE is a simple IDE initially released in 2001 by IBM. It is now open-source and managed by a public foundation.
The IDE was written in Java and used to build Java applications. However, the program can now build applications in C/C++, JavaScript/TypeScript, and PHP.
Among the pros of using Eclipse are the extensible tools for the IDE. It has a marketplace with customizations and extensions.
The downside of using Eclipse is that it is not stable and has outdated UI elements.
3. Microsoft Visual Code:
Visual Studio Code is a code editor released by Microsoft in 2015. It stands out for being able to run lightly with power.
The software allows programming in Java, JavaScript, Go, Node.js, Python, and C++.
The IDE attracts attention from the development community for allowing the extension of features. It is proprietary freeware.
Visual Studio Code is difficult to use for beginning developers. Older equipment may have slow performance.
4. Apache NetBeans:
The Apache Software Foundation developed NetBeans. Modularity is the main feature of this software.
The open-source IDE was designed in 1996 for an academic project in Java but later expanded to support other programming languages such as C++, PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
One of its essential features is its ability to lighten code semantically and syntactically. It has a simple UI.
NetBeans may require much memory to run without slow performance.
5. Code::Blocks:
Code::Blocks is an IDE that has all the features a developer needs with a consistent look and feel. It is a free, open-source, cross-platform environment.
The application was created with C++ in 2005 by a team of developers. It presents a fast and intuitive interface. The software supports multiple compilers.
With drag and play, the programmer can arrange components.
Code::Blocks has some UI elements that need updating. It also has problems implementing extensions.
6. CodeLite:
It supports all major C++ compilers, has efficient PHP, and runs Node.js. These are CodeLite IDE credentials.
The IDE is open-source distributed as GNU and runs several programming languages.
The software appeared in 2006 as a library of builds. The interface is simple.
Conclusion
There are other options that C++ developers can make use of in 2021. C++ enables programmers to create robust projects that ensure efficient execution.
Several factors need to be considered when choosing an IDE. It is advisable to test each of them before settling on one. Every project has a particular development environment that suits it best.