Dev C++ Online is a freely available, fully-featured integrated development environment (IDE) operating under the GNU General Public License, catering to C and C++ programming. Keep reading to know more!
Dev C++ Online:Â Being open-source software, Dev-C++ operates under the GNU General Public License, allowing users the freedom to distribute or modify the IDE without constraints. Initially developed by “Bloodshed Software,” the IDE underwent forking by Orwell after Bloodshed abandoned it in 2006.
For aspiring C++ developers, there will be numerous instances where coding becomes a fundamental task. To ensure the success of your programs, having the right tools is crucial, and this includes a suitable IDE. In this article, we delve into Dev-C++ download, providing insights into its functionality through an illustrative example scenario.
Dev-C++ is a fully-featured graphical Integrated Development Environment (IDE) employing the MinGW compiler system, capable of crafting Windows and Console-based C/C++ applications.Â
What is Dev C++?
Dev C++ stands out as a comprehensive Integrated Development Environment (IDE) tailored for the C++ language. The IDE employs a MinGW port of GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) as its underlying compiler, offering a minimalist approach to generating executables for Windows systems.
Notably, Dev C++ is compatible with Cygwin and various other GCC-based compilers. Originally constructed in Delphi, the IDE saw subsequent upgrades using the latest version of Delphi.
Since its initial release in 1998 by Bloodshed Software, Dev C++ has garnered a significant user base, with millions of users leveraging its capabilities. Over two decades, the IDE has maintained its status as a popular learning tool in universities worldwide.
Following Bloodshed Software’s discontinuation of Dev C++ in 2006 due to time constraints, the IDE found a new caretaker in Johan Mes, an independent programmer known as Orwell. After a decade of Orwell’s dedicated work, he eventually left the project. The mantle was then taken up by Embarcadero Technologies, a U.S. software company, which began sponsoring and currently maintains the IDE.
Beyond its proficiency in C++, Dev C++ seamlessly accommodates C programming. The Dev C++ IDE is accessible on the Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 operating systems.
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What is an IDE?
Integrated development environments, such as Dev C++, are indispensable tools that integrate a source code editor and a compiler into a unified user interface. These software platforms offer programmers and developers a comprehensive set of tools to facilitate the development of software products. A typical IDE encompasses a source code editor designed for writing software. These editors highlight syntax to enhance code readability, visual cues and prompts, and language-specific auto-completion.
After composing a program, IDEs are equipped to compile the code into an executable program while simultaneously checking for errors. Running programs within the IDE allows for thorough testing, enabling the identification of bugs and verification of correct prompts and outputs.
In instances where things deviate from the intended course, IDEs provide debugging tools to assist in pinpointing errors within the code, sparing developers the arduous task of scrutinizing every line. Additionally, many IDEs offer coding hints to preempt errors before reaching the compilation stage.
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Features of Dev C++ Online IDE
Here are some of the features of this IDE that contribute to the development of efficient and user-friendly C/C++ applications:
- Compiler Compatibility: Dev-C++ supports GCC-based compilers, including Cygwin, MinGW, etc. Users can install the Dev-C++ IDE with an integrated compiler or only the IDE if a compiler is already on their system.
- Integrated Debugging: The IDE offers integrated GDB debugging, allowing users to perform standard debugging operations on their source code.
- Localization Support: Dev-C++ features a localization option, providing support for multiple languages. Users can select their preferred language the first time they open the IDE after installation and can change it anytime through settings.
- Auto-Completion: Similar to other IDEs, Dev-C++ includes an “Auto-Completion” feature for enhancing the efficiency of code writing.
- Customizable Syntax Highlighting: The IDE comes with a customizable syntax highlighting editor, improving the readability of the source code.
- Resource File Editing and Compilation: Users can edit and compile resource files within the IDE.
- Tool Manager: The IDE includes a Tool Manager with various tools that can be utilized in a project.
- Find and Replace: Dev-C++ provides inbuilt Find and Replace facilities for efficient code editing.
- Application Type Support: Users can create various types of applications, including Windows, Console, Static libraries, or DLLs using Dev-C++.
- Custom Project Templates: The IDE allows users to create their project templates, enabling the development of custom project types.
- Makefile Management: Dev-C++ supports the creation of Makefiles for managing the build process of applications.
- Class Browser and Debug Variable Browser: The IDE offers support for Class Browser and Debug Variable Browser for effective code navigation.
- Project Manager: Dev-C++ includes a Project Manager who manages multiple projects.
- Print Support: The IDE provides print support through its interface.
- Add-On Library Installation: Users can easily install add-on libraries using the package manager provided by the IDE.
- CVS Support: Dev-C++ offers CVS support for source code management.
Also read:Â Difference between C and C++
How to Download and Install Dev C++ Online?
The installation process for Dev-C++ involves the following steps:
Step 1: Choose Language:
Launch the installer and select your preferred language from the options provided.
Step 2: Agree to License Agreement:
Accept the license agreement that appears after choosing the language. This step is essential to proceed with the installation.
Step 3: Select Components:
Choose the components you want to install as part of the Dev-C++ package. This step allows you to customize the installation based on your requirements.
Step 4: Choose Destination Folder:
Specify the destination folder where Dev-C++ files and libraries will be copied. After entering the path, proceed by clicking the “Install” button.
Step 5: Monitor Installation Progress:
Keep an eye on the progress of the installation, as indicated in the provided screenshot.
Step 6: Completion of Installation:
Once the installation process is complete, a “finish” dialog will appear, signaling the successful installation. Click “Finish” to conclude the installation.
Step 7: Launch Dev-C++ IDE:
After the installation is finalized, you can launch the Dev-C++ Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to start coding and developing applications.
Dev C++ Compiler
Dev-C++ Compiler is an integral component of the Dev-C++ Integrated Development Environment (IDE), serving as the tool responsible for compiling and translating C and C++ source code into executable programs.Â
The compiler seamlessly integrates with the GDB (GNU Debugger), providing developers with comprehensive debugging capabilities. This allows for efficient identification and resolution of issues within the source code. Dev-C++ Compiler offers localization features, enabling support for multiple languages. Users can select their preferred language during the initial setup or adjust language settings later as needed. Like many modern Integrated Development Environments, the Dev-C++ Compiler includes an auto-completion feature. This assists developers by suggesting and completing code snippets as they type, improving coding efficiency.
 Dev-C++ Compiler facilitates the editing and compilation of resource files. This capability is valuable when working with multimedia components and graphical user interfaces. In-built Find and Replace functionalities make it convenient for developers to search for specific code segments and replace them as needed, streamlining the coding process.
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Dev C++ Examples
Below are a few simple examples in C++ that you can try in Dev-C++:
1) #include <iostream>
int main() {
 std::cout << “Hello, World!” << std::endl;
 return 0;
}
2) #include <iostream>
int main() {
 int age;
 std::cout << “Enter your age: “;
 std::cin >> age;
 std::cout << “You entered: ” << age << ” years old.” << std::endl;
 return 0;
}
3) #include <iostream>
int main() {
 int number;
 std::cout << “Enter a number: “;
 std::cin >> number;
 if (number % 2 == 0) {
 std::cout << number << ” is even.” << std::endl;
 } else {
 std::cout << number << ” is odd.” << std::endl;
 }
 return 0;
}
Alternatives to Dev C++
Here are some of the alternatives to Dev C++:
1) Predator CNC Editor
The Predator CNC Editor stands out as the leading CNC code editor in the market, offering myriad features to enhance the daily productivity of CNC machine tools, operators, and programmers. Despite its extensive capabilities, the Predator CNC Editor is user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for small job shops and large manufacturers.
2) UltraEdit by IDM Computer Solutions
UltraEdit has been the preferred text editor for over 2 million users, including Fortune 100/500/1000 enterprise customers, for nearly three decades. Recognized for its robust performance in handling massive files and data, UltraEdit is a highly configurable and fully themed code editor supporting almost any source language or syntax. Often referred to as the “Swiss army knife” of text editors, UltraEdit is a powerful tool for users across various industries.
3) Apache NetBeans by Apache Software Foundation
More than just a text editor, Apache NetBeans serves as a development environment, tooling platform, and application framework. Offering syntactic and semantic code highlighting, easy code refactoring, and a range of powerful tools, Apache NetBeans supports creating applications in Java, PHP, and numerous other languages through its editors, wizards, and templates.
4) Textastic
Textastic for Mac complements the popular iOS code editor, offering support for over 80 source code and markup languages. Bringing the potent syntax coloring engine of the iOS source code editor to Mac, Textastic allows using TextMate and Sublime Text-compatible syntax definitions. Based on the code editor powering the iOS app, Textastic utilizes native macOS APIs like Core Text for optimal speed.
5) CodeRunner
CodeRunner is a lightweight, multi-language programming text editor and IDE designed for macOS. Tailored to support the most widely used programming languages, CodeRunner enables instant code execution. The app comes pre-configured to run code in 25 languages, with the flexibility to add more languages by simply entering their terminal command.
6) Geany
Geany is a robust, stable, and lightweight programmer’s text editor that delivers many features without compromising workflow efficiency. Geany, which is compatible with Linux, Windows, and MacOS, supports over 50 programming languages and is available in over 40 languages. Geany’s presence solves the demand for a versatile, GUI-based, cross-platform, lightweight, and capable IDE/editor.
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FAQs
Does Dev C++ Online support C++11 features?
Yes, Dev C++ Online supports C++11 features. It allows developers to use modern C++ features and syntax in their programs.
Is there a community or forum for Dev C++ Online users?
Yes, there are online forums and communities where Dev C++ users can seek help, share experiences, and discuss programming-related topics. The official Bloodshed Software forum is one such platform.
Are there alternatives to Dev C++ Online?
Yes, there are several alternative IDEs for C and C++ development, such as Code::Blocks, Visual Studio, and CLion. The choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Is Dev C++ Online free to use?
Yes, Dev C++ Online is completely free to use. It is an open-source IDE distributed under the GNU General Public License.
What is Dev C++ Online?Â
Dev C++ Online is an integrated development environment (IDE) for C and C++ programming languages.
