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Code::Blocks

Free, open-source C, C++ and Fortran IDE built around plugins.

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About Code::Blocks

Code::Blocks is a free, open-source IDE for C, C++ and Fortran that has been a staple of programming courses for years. It is built around a plugin framework, so compiling, debugging and other features are provided by plugins and can be extended. It supports many compilers, including GCC, MinGW, Clang and MSVC, has its own build system with fast dependency generation and parallel builds, and can also import other project formats. The debugger supports watches, breakpoints on code and data, call stacks, disassembly and memory dumps through GDB. Code::Blocks is released under the GPL 3, with its SDK under the LGPL 3 so closed-source plugins are possible. It runs on Windows, Linux and macOS, with Windows installers that bundle a compiler. Releases are infrequent, and the interface looks old compared with modern editors; there is no built-in language server or AI support. It remains a simple, dependable choice for learning C and C++.

Best for: Students and hobbyists learning C or C++ who want a simple, free IDE.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Free and open source
  • Works with many compilers and bundles one on Windows
  • Capable built-in debugger front end

Why people leave

  • Infrequent releases
  • Dated interface
  • No language server or AI features

Top Code::Blocks alternatives

See all 4
  1. 1CLion logo
    CLion

    A much more capable C and C++ IDE, free for non-commercial use.

    66.5
  2. 2Visual Studio logo
    Visual Studio

    The standard Windows C++ IDE, with a free Community edition.

    62.6
  3. 3Visual Studio Code logo
    Visual Studio Code

    Free editor with C/C++ extensions and clangd for code intelligence.

    61.8
  4. 4Geany logo
    Geany

    An even lighter editor with build and run commands for small programs.

    57.2

Why people left Code::Blocks

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Code::Blocks: common questions

Is Code::Blocks free?

Yes. Code::Blocks is free, open-source software.

Is Code::Blocks open source?

Yes.

What platforms does Code::Blocks run on?

Code::Blocks is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Code::Blocks?

The highest-ranked Code::Blocks alternatives right now are CLion, Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 Code::Blocks alternatives