What would be best C++ IDE and compiler

[Chris Chancellor]

Hello folks

I'm trying to learn C++ and I wish to know what would be the best C++ compiler and IDE
for beginners like myself.   I'm only a part timer in programming. i learn some BASIC and VB.net
for the past 3 or 4 years, i'm no expert in these either.  i don't like microsoft visual stuff
please advise
ThanXXX

[Carlo Pagani]

In my opinion, the best would be Visual Studio  - Community edition is free and setup only downloads the components select (2017) so you don't need the huge downloads from the past.

[Patrice Terrier]

Visual Studio is the best choice, especially if you need further help.

[James C. Fuller]

Chris,
  Use any editor you want and compile with my batch files from one of the bc9Basic packages.
There are batch files for VC, TDM (http://tdm-gcc.tdragon.net/), NUWEN distro (https://nuwen.net/mingw.html)

James

[Patrice Terrier]

Visual Studio, has a built-in debugger, intellisense, and all extra goodies you can expect from a modern compiler.

[Frederick J. Harris]

For just getting started I'd recommend a package with the compiler and IDE together.  Code::Blocks can be setup to build with any compiler, but you've got to struggle through a lot of setup screens to get it all working.  That's why I'd recommend getting the download with the build system (compiler) and IDE integrated.  That way, it ought to work right 'out of the box', so to speak. 

I'm not a fan of Visual Studio but Microsoft's compiler is my main compiler right now (for a good many years GCC from MinGW was my main C++ build system, but it is too bloated to suit me what with all the stuff necessary for compliance with the changes they've made to C++ over the course of the past five years or so).

When I do use an IDE I use the IDE from my Visual Studio 2008 edition.  My main compiler is VC15 from the Visual Studio 2008 edition.  Most C++ work I do now is with my own build libraries which are alternates to the ones supplied by Microsoft.  In that way I can produce binaries as small or smaller than those produced by PowerBASIC and in 64 bit. 

It seems the trend in C++ for a good many years now is to somehow or other morph it into C#.  So you'll have to decide which direction you want to go in with your learning.  For myself I seem to use the high level features of the language sparingly, as I suppose I'm still greatly affected by my early C roots. 

[Frederick J. Harris]

So the route to take in my opinion is to not worry too much about which IDE or build system you use.  Learning C++ is tough, and I'd concentrate on that, which can be done with any compiler/IDE.  After you get a little confidence, experiment with various compilers and IDEs. 

Notepad++ is a decent lightweight code editor.  I use that a lot with my TCLib (alteernate to C Runtime).  The big trouble I have with every code editor except Visual Studio is that none of them are 100% perfect in providing a 'function management pane/window' that shows all the functions in the code tab presently open.  I become furious over that.  Furious to the point of being on the verge of writing my own editor!  I don't know why they can't write good enough code to do that.   

[Patrice Terrier]

that shows all the functions in the code tab presently open

UltraEdit 

[Frederick J. Harris]

I have the freebee version of VS 2015 installed on my one box but I never hardly use it.  I recall though having to re-install it because the default install didn't install any of the C++ stuff or even the SDK.  That really blew my mind.

So to answer your question, yes, you should be able to use the same Visual Studio IDE for both languages, but if the C++ build system and the SDK isn't installed, you'll be going nowhere fast.

When everything is installed correctly and you go to set up a Project/Solution, the IDE should give you a choice as to what kind of project, i.e., which language, you want to use.  With my Visual Studio 2008 installation I use there's a bunch of choices, e.g., VB.NET, C#.NET, C++ Smart Device, C++, and several others I never use cuz I'm not that familiar with them. 

So you need to check on that.  If the IDE isn't giving you those choices then its my guess you haven't installed those components/languages.   

[Andrey Unis]

Visual Studio, has a built-in debugger, intellisense, and all extra goodies you can expect from a modern compiler.

Visual Studio plus few Extensions:
+ Visual Assist (_https://www.wholetomato.com) => IMHO, must have plugin
+ Tabs Studio (_https://tabsstudio.com)
+ Indent Guides (freeware. Install from Tools -> Extensions and Update)

[Ron Allen]

Hi,

take a look at Dev C++

http://dev-c.programs.gratis/?lp=bing&tg=us&tp=rs&os=windows&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=search

I've used it a little to get my feet wet, it seems ok and the price is right for getting familiar.

Ron

[Paul Breen]

C++ Builder by Embarcadero is free now for the starter edition, used to be about $240. With this you get the famous VCL library made famous by delphi. For desktop apps this frequently cited as the best library for windows. The new compiler is llvm based, not the old borland compiler anymore. Starter is limited to 32 bits but probably not a problem for a beginner. Microsoft makes the best compiler for windows but it may not be the best for you. See the videos on youtube to help you make up your mind. I prefer the RAD Studio IDE myself, in Delphi mode. If you are a student, get the RAD Studio professional, it is a steal even if you do have to pay about $130 for it. Sure, visual studio is free, but it is free for everybody, so why do people who make their living writing programs pay for other tools? As an extra benefit, your soul will not burn on the lake of fire for all eternity as punishment for joining the dark side. Try them both and see which one you like better.