You can’t undervalue the importance of having a solid C++ compiler tool. Without it, all of your hard work of writing code will be useless, as you won’t be able to compile the program and process it through the compiler. Within the last 10 years, there has been a large influx of C++ compiler tools that can be very beneficial to your code and projects. Below, you’ll read about the top 10 C++ compiler tools for your specific needs and goals.

Top 10 C++ Compiler Tools:

  1. C++ Builder – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Speed
  2. Microsoft Visual C++ – Best C++ Compiler for All Languages
  3. Eclipse IDE – Best C++ Compiler for Large Development Projects
  4. NetBeans – Best C++ Compiler for Beginners
  5. Codeblocks – Best C++ Compiler for Basic Projects
  6. Dev-C++ – Best C++ Compiler for Windows
  7. GCC – Best C++ Compiler for Development
  8. Borland C++ – Best C++ Compiler for Protection
  9. CodeLite – Best C++ Compiler for Developing Applications
  10. Clion – Best C++ Compiler for Power

1. C++ Builder – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Speed

PRICING: Community Edition is Free

The C++ Builder is an excellent tool, especially if you’re looking to cut your development time by 50% or more. This tool is free, and it’s designed for platforms supported by Windows and iOS, which is great for the general public. Not to mention, C++ Builder has several classes and a large network to keep you continuously learning.

KEY FEATURES:

  • FireMonkey UI
  • Sencha Ext JS
  • VCL Styles

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Fast
  • High visual quality
  • Large library

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Only available for single codebase

» MORE: Top Java Compilers

2. Microsoft Visual – Best C++ Compiler Tool for All Languages

PRICING: Community Edition is Free

Microsoft Visual C++ is a fully equipped tool that integrates seamlessly with Android, Windows, and iOS platforms. It also enables you to build in a wide variety of other applications like C#, python, node.js, and C++. Microsoft Visual C++ is great for those who are looking for a compiler tool specific for C++ and that is geared for all other common languages.

KEY FEATURES:

  • IntelliSense
  • Windows debugger
  • C++17

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Supports C++ and other languages
  • Provides testing environment
  • Ability to create applications on several platforms

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Large memory footprint

» MORE: Best iPad Website Builders

3. Eclipse IDE – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Large Projects

PRICING: Free

Eclipse IDE is a free, open-source option that supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Eclipse IDE is especially great if you are working on large development projects and need to have advanced features to have the power to complete them. It also boasts of having a user-friendly interface with intuitive tools like drag and drop for UI design.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Helix Core
  • UML projects
  • P4Eclipse

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Lots of plugins
  • Has modeling support
  • Good for large projects

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Runs slow

» MORE: Top Creatives’ Website Builders

4. NetBeans – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Beginners

PRICING: Free

NetBeans is a great tool for beginners because it has a simple interface, and you can begin projects without needing to download several plugins. NetBeans is open source and free, plus it supports multiple languages, which makes it highly adaptable. Another thing NetBeans has going for it is that it supports HTML5, meaning that it is incredible for web development.

KEY FEATURES:

  • HTML5
  • Maven support
  • Visual debugger

REASONS TO BUY:

  • User-friendly
  • Focused on web development
  • Very stable

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Does not support modeling

» MORE: Website Builders Without Coding

5. Codeblocks – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Basic Projects

PRICING: Free

Codeblocks is a free and open-source tool that supports Windows, Linux, and Mac OS platforms. It is written completely in C++, meaning you do not need any interpreted languages to run Codeblocks. Codeblocks doesn’t have the robust list of features that other C++ compiler tools have, but it is good for completing basic projects without any bells or whistles.

KEY FEATURES:

  • C and C++
  • Fortran
  • XML

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Simple interface
  • Cross-platform
  • Short cuts

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Not for advanced tasks or projects

» MORE: Top Software for Editing Code

6. Dev-C++ – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Windows Platform

PRICING: Free

Dev-C++ is free and open source, which makes it easy to test out. However, if you don’t have Windows, then this is not the tool for you since Dev-C++ was designed specifically for Windows. But if you do, then this will be a great compiler tool for all of your projects.

KEY FEATURES:

  • TDM-GCC 9.2.0 32/64bit
  • Devpak IDE extensions
  • GPROF support

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Supports all compilers GCC-based
  • Libraries include graphics, animation, and sound
  • Little memory required

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Only supports Windows

» MORE: Top News Website Builder

7. GCC – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Development

PRICING: Free

GCC is a free compiler that is supported by Windows, Linux, and Mac OS platforms. It was originally written for the GNU system, which was designed to be a free software and respect user’s autonomy. It’s great if you’re looking to have a compiler that also provides strong development tools, since they are included with this software. 

KEY FEATURES:

  • C++17 language features
  • C++17 library features
  • C++20 language

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Cross-platform
  • Supports multiple programming languages
  • Development tools

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Slower

» MORE: Top builder of websites for dance studios

8. Borland C++ – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Protection

PRICING: Free

Borland C++ is a compiler that is free, once you register into the Borland community, and supports Windows and MS-DOS. Borland C++ is really great at protecting your computer because it has advanced features like protection modes and comes with an automatic debugger, which saves you a lot of time and worry.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Turbo Vision
  • Turbo debugger
  • 2G graphics

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Highly secure
  • Library with C++ classes
  • Borland graphics included

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Does not support new C++ updates

» MORE: Top Website Builder For Business Owners

9. CodeLite – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Developing Applications

PRICING: Free

CodeLite is a free and open-source compiler that is supported by a large variety of platforms: Windows, Linux (Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.), Mac OS, and FreeBSD. While CodeLite is a good overall compiler, it is best if you’re looking to develop apps using node.js. Furthermore, CodeLite has some great tools like its intuitive editor and quick shortcuts that make this compiler a great option.

KEY FEATURES:

  • C++, PHP, and JavaScript
  • GDB support
  • GCC/clang/VC++

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Can easily edit
  • Simple shortcuts
  • Refactoring features

REASON TO AVOID:

  • Not very user-friendly

» MORE: Best Website Builder For Journalists

10. Clion – Best C++ Compiler Tool for Power

PRICING: 1st year $199, 2nd year $159, 3rd year $199, etc.

Clion is a highly advanced compiler that is supported by Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Clion’s starting price is $199, but then continues to decrease for each subsequent year. Clion uses very sophisticated software that manages code routine, giving you the ability to focus on other aspects of your projects. It also has several features that make it stand out like its smart editor and clean up tools to save you time from writing unnecessary code.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Static code analysis
  • Smart editor
  • Generates code

REASONS TO BUY:

  • 30-day free trial
  • Manages code routine
  • Support multiple languages

REASON TO AVOID:

  • More expensive

» MORE: Web Builder for Vehicle Detailing

Resources

  • Https://www.embarcadero.com/free-tools/dev-cpp
  • https://gcc.gnu.org/
  • https://www.incredibuild.com/blog/top-c-compilers
  • Https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com