C++ IDE for Linux? [closed]

Question

I want to expand my programming horizons to Linux. A good, dependable basic toolset is important, and what is more basic than an IDE?

I could find these SO topics:

• Lightweight IDE for linux and
• What tools do you use to develop C++ applications on Linux?

I'm not looking for a lightweight IDE. If an IDE is worth the money, then I will pay for it, so it need not be free.

My question, then:

What good, C++ programming IDE is available for Linux?

The minimums are fairly standard: syntax highlighting, code completion (like intellisense or its Eclipse counterpart) and integrated debugging (e.g., basic breakpoints).

I have searched for it myself, but there are so many that it is almost impossible to separate the good from the bads by hand, especially for someone like me who has little C++ coding experience in Linux. I know that Eclipse supports C++, and I really like that IDE for Java, but is it any good for C++ and is there something better?

The second post actually has some good suggestions, but what I am missing is what exactly makes the sugested IDE so good for the user, what are its (dis)advantages?

Maybe my question should therefore be:

What IDE do you propose (given your experiences), and why?

Answer 1

On Linux there are plenty of IDEs:

• Code::blocks
• Codelite
• KDevelop
• Qt Creator
• Eclipse with CDT
• NetBeans

In my experience, the most valuable are Eclipse and Qt Creator. Both provide all "standard" features (i.e., autocompletion, syntax highlightning, debugger, git integration). It is worth noting that Eclipse also provides refactoring functionalities, while Qt Creator provides integration with Valgrind and support for deployment on remote targets.

Also the commercial CLion IDE seems preety good (but I've not used it extensively).

Answer 2

Perhaps the Linux Tools Project for Eclipse could fill your needs?

The Linux Tools project aims to bring a full-featured C and C++ IDE to Linux developers. We build on the source editing and debugging features of the CDT and integrate popular native development tools such as the GNU Autotools, Valgrind, OProfile, RPM, SystemTap, GCov, GProf, LTTng, etc. Current projects include LTTng trace viewers and analyzers, an RPM .spec editor, Autotools build integration, a Valgrind heap usage analysis tool, and OProfile call profiling tools.

Answer 3

geany I recommend

Answer 4

1. Code::Blocks
2. Eclipse CDT

Soon you'll find that IDEs are not enough, and you'll have to learn the GCC toolchain anyway (which isn't hard, at least learning the basic functionality). But no harm in reducing the transitional pain with the IDEs, IMO.

Answer 5

Just a quick follow up for this question...

It's been a month since I started using Vim as my main 'GUI' tool for programming C++ in Linux. At first the learning curve was indeed a bit steep but after a while and with the right options turned on and scripts running I really got the hang of it!

I love the way how you can shape Vim to suite your needs; just add/change key mappings and Vim is turned into a highly productive 'IDE'.

The toolchain to build and compile a C++ program on Linux is also really intuitive. make and g++ are the tools you'll use.

The debugger ffffd is however not really that good, but maybe that's because I haven't had the time to master it properly.

So to anyone who is, or was looking for a good C++ IDE in Linux, just like I was, your best bet lays with the standard available tools in Linux itself (Vim, g++, ffffd) and you should really at least try to use them, before looking for sonething else...

Last but not least, I really want to thank konrad for his answer here, It really helped me find my way in the Linux development environment, thank you!

I'm also not closing this question, so people can still react or maybe even add new suggestions or additions to the already really nice answers...

Answer 6

I hear Anjuta is pretty slick for Gnome users. I played a bit with KDevelop and it's nice, but sort of lacking featurewise. Code::Blocks is also very promising, and I like that one best.