The Best Available IDE for C++
There are many available for C++ programming and each and every IDE has its advantages and disadvantages. Your choice of the IDE will depend on your likes, the OS you use, and the kind of C++ programming you intend to do. Some IDEs are set up to be ready to go right out of the box, but there are also simple text editors that can be modified with plugins to meet your needs.
Some of the more widely used integrated development environments (IDE) for the C++ programming language are:
1. Microsoft Visual Studio:
As the broadest reaching IDE for the C++ development, in particular for the audience of Windows. It has a relatively good range of tools for debugging, building, and testing applications, making it enjoyable to use the application.
2. Code::Blocks:
A free multi-OS support C++ IDE that is light in weight, open-source and easy to use for developers. It’s simply great for starters.
3. Eclipse:
While Eclipse is predominantly used for Java development only, it contains some C++ support which can be enabled via the C++ Development Tools (CDT) extension. There is no denying that Eclipse is a level above when it comes to versatility.
4. CLion:
A product of JetBrains, a paid IDE with advanced features such as smart refactoring, intelligent code completion, and powerful debugging tools. It is targeted towards professional C++ developers.
5. Xcode:
For developing on the macOS platform, Xcode is the go-to IDE for development as it supports C++ and cross-platform development.
Downloading C++ IDE
Upon deciding on a choice of IDE, the next thing will be to install it on your computer. While the exact procedures of installation may vary depending on the IDE, generally speaking, it goes along these lines:
1. Obtain the IDE Software:
On the official page of the IDE, a version suitable for the operating system in use is Windows, macOS or Linux. Once again be sure to check which system architecture version you take, either 32 or 64 bit.
2. Launch the Installer:
Once the IDE is fully downloaded, it's time to run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions which may include accepting agreements, and conditions, choosing components or defining the installation path.
3. Get the Compiler:
Examples of IDEs that include a built-in C++ compiler are Visual Studio. As for the rest, some may have to get a compiler separately. Examples of C++ compilers include GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and Clang as well. You may either choose to install the compilers independently or set them up to your IDE.
4. Installation of IDE:
The first thing you will need to do here is to install the requisite IDE and most probably set it up for C++ Development. This implies that it may involve defining the path to the location of the compiler, changing default build settings, and defining any other applicable tools you may require.
5. Installation Verification:
It is wise that after configuring the IDE, one checks to see if things are working properly. Most Integrated Development Environments include a ready-made paradigm of the easy ‘Hello World’ application which suffices as a good method of testing the working of the interface.
New Project Creation in the IDE
The next course of action after the Installation and configuring the IDE is creating a new project. A project in C++ may include the source code, headers, libraries, or any other associated files relevant to the application. To enhance the efficacy of your work, it is sensible to break up your code and file it under varied projects. Creating a new C++ project in your IDE is quite simple in a few easy steps.
1. Launching the IDE:
The first thing you should do after installation is to launch the IDE. Most IDEs will have a start screen which presents you with an option to create a new project.
2. Select C++ Project Type:
While creating a new project, the IDE may prompt you to choose the type of the project you would like to create. So in this case you will go for a C++ project. Some IDEs let users decide if they want a console application or a graphical one.
3. Choose a Project Name and Location:
The next step is simply how to name your project and the directory in which you want to place it. It is always good practice to give your project files a representative name and store them in a properly organized directory.
4. Add Source Files:
Once the project has been created, you can engage in adding source files to the project. Most of the time these files are given a .cpp suffix and they will be storing the real C++ source code of your application.
5. Configure Build Settings:
In some cases, when settling down on an IDE, things such as selecting a compiler, setting up project dependencies, and build settings in general have to be tweaked. An easy-to-use menu to set up build settings is available with most IDEs.
Characteristics of the C++ Integrated Development Environment
Considering an Integrated Development Environment in this case, I consider it to be essential that the constructed tool goes beyond providing means for coding and executing specific programs and extends to providing features which improve the user's experience programming in general. Some of the most useful features include:
1. Color Coding:
The IDE might choose to put some colours and styling to some of the parts of your code like keywords, variables, strings, etc. so that it’s more comprehensible.
2. Completing Suggestions:
There’s a common tendency as people pick their IDE to go for one, which implements several features including an autocomplete function, which incorporates a list of already completed variables, functions and some parts of your code, thus conserving time and ameliorating mistakes.
3. Breakpoints:
The debugger sets breakpoints and allows you to ‘walk through’ your code to trace errors for correction. Debugging tools also assist code verification processes while improving development efficiency.
4. Code Checkers:
As you define the code, the IDE checkers will indicate syntax and/or semantic errors by flash, highlighting them for a faster resolution in the future.
5. File Organization:
It becomes less complex to work on an integrated development environment, for instance Microsoft Visual Studio, because all your documents are clustered around a single project file.
