Top 9 Best C/C++ IDEs For Windows/Mac OS X/Linux/Unix

If you are working on a big project, you definitely need a good IDE. There are various types of IDE's and you should select the right one which fits your needs.


So I decided to give you the list of best C/C++ IDE's for different platforms.

1) CLion

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows
JetBrains well-known company has created this IDE for C/C++ developers.

• Smart editor
• Embedded terminal
• Various languages and standards: C++11, libc++, boost, JavaScript, XML, HTML and CSS
• Keyboard Shortcuts to help you with the fast project creating
• CMake support
• Code analysis

Why it's a number one? Well, because it has multi-platform support first of all and a has a lot of functions which will help us in developing.

2) Visual Studio

Platforms: Windows

IDE from Microsoft. The only minus about this IDE that it only works with Windows. This IDE is not only for C/C++ developers, but it also includes many popular languages in its list. If you are working with a team then you probably do need a Pro version minimum which is not free. But if you are working alone then you can use Express edition of IDE which is free.

3) Xcode

Platforms: Mac OS X

This IDE is the best choice for Mac users. Probably there are so many programmers who prefer to use a Mac. And again this IDE like the previous one (Visual Studio) is not only for C/C++ developers, there are many other popular languages supported. It is completely free to use. So you get pretty cool features to develop your program with C/C++.

4) Eclipse

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

The second good IDE which has multi-platform support. It is also open-source which is a big plus and completely free.

• C/C++ Development Tools
• Eclipse Git Team Provider
• Mylyn Task List
• Remote System Explorer

5) NetBeans IDE

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

Multi-platform, free IDE. Has a lot of good features which can help you with development.

• C++11 Support
• Qt Toolkit Support
• Remote Development
• File Navigation
• Compiler Configurations

6) Code::Blocks

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

Multi-platform support, completely free. So why I suggest this IDE? First of all, it is a light IDE.

• Written in C++. No interpreted languages or proprietary libs needed.
• Extensible through plugins
• Open Source! GPLv3, with no hidden costs.
• Multiple compilers support
• Interfaces GNU GDB
• Also supports MS CDB
• View CPU registers
• Switch between threads
• Disassembly

IDE has many features which are listed on its official website.

7) Qt Creator

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

Qt is one of the most popular Libraries. You can download the open-source version for free. A really great choice if you want to create a GUI for your application.

• Qt Quick Compiler
• Qt Data Visualization
• Boot to Qt
• Qt Quick 2D Renderer
• Qt WebView
• Qt Virtual Keyboard

You can also purchase the pro version which gives you more features to work.

8) Geany

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

It's completely free to use. Lightweight and perfect IDE for C/C++ developers.

• Syntax highlighting
• Code folding
• Symbol name auto-completion
• Auto-closing of XML and HTML tags
• Build a system to compile and execute your code
• Simple project management

9) CodeLite

Platforms: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows

Open Source, free IDE for C/C++ development.

• Generic support for compilers with built-in support for GCC/clang/VC++
• Display errors as code annotations or as a tooltip in the editor window
• Errors are clickable via the Build tab
• Built-in GDB support
• Supports C++11 auto keyword, templates, inheritance, etc.