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Dev C++ 4.9


A free C++ IDE that takes on the professionals?

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Free C++ IDEs have been attempted by many and the projects usually end with a product that's missing vital features and lacks usability. Fortunately I can tell you Dev C++ isn't one of these projects.

NOTE : At the moment of writing the latest build is 4.9.7.4. This review will be updated as version 5 is released.

Install/configuration

The installation was simple and didn't take long. Firstly, I downloaded an install file weighing in at 11MB from the sourceforge site. This is pretty small considering that it comes with the Mingw compiler, tools such as vUpdate and of course the IDE.

Almost everything about the IDE is editable, from the way the editor handles text to themes for changing the look of the editor. Although I have to admit, I think having themes for an IDE isn't something that's really needed but I guess it can't hurt.

Features

  • Support GCC-based compilers
  • Integrated debugging (using GDB)
  • Class Browser
  • Code Completion
  • Project Manager
  • Customizable syntax highlighting editor
  • Quickly create Windows, console, static libraries and DLLs
  • Support of templates for creating your own project types
  • Makefile creation
  • Edit and compile Resource files
  • Tool Manager
  • Print support
  • Find and replace facilities
  • Package manager, for easy installation of add-on libraries
  • CVS Support
  • To-Do List
  • CPU Window

Addition Packages

The most useful feature of Dev C++ has to be, without a doubt, the packaging system. Ever had problems compiling a c/c++ library? How about installing the library files in the correct directories? Or setting the correct compiler/linker properties? A Dev C++ Package File (DevPac) installs the precompiled library files into the correct directories, along with a template that includes compiler/linker options. There is a whole host of packages to aid game development including allegro and SDL.

While you can download these files from Bloodshed Software's site I would advise using the integrated vUpdate tool. vUpdate checks for any new packages in the repository and allows you to select which ones you want to download. After the downloads are complete the package manager starts a wizard that helps you install the package in a few seconds.

 

A few questions with Colin Laplace

Why did you first feel the need to create Dev C++, what do you think of commercial IDE's?

I first created Dev-C++ to provide people a free development environment for Windows, because commercial IDEs are really too much expensive, especially for students. I also wanted to provide the great GCC compiler a full featured IDE. Under Unix systems, people are used to using a text editor and their console for compiling, but on Windows they are more looking for the "everything integrated" suite. Since the GCC compiler system may look a little strange for those who do not know the Unix world, the idea was to provide a development tool that uses GCC and that works "out of the box", without anything to configure.

Why did you choose to use Delphi for developing Dev C++?

Well, I first started Dev-C++ like 6 years ago (it was Dev-C at this time), and the only object oriented language I knew was Delphi. Still, I think Delphi is a very productive tool for developing under Windows.

Why did you release it for free?

This was the main interest of the project, to give something to help people. I felt it had to follow the Free Software philosophy (and I still do ;)

You have also created an IDE for the pascal language, Dev-Pascal. Will their be any more development on that?

Probably. I haven't been working on it for some time, because my primary focus is on Dev-C++ since there are really more C++ developers than for Pascal. The other thing is that I am still a student and sometimes work for some companies, so I do not have all the time I would have to spend working on a new Dev-Pascal.

Are there any areas where you think Dev C++ lacks?

Well, the feature it really misses is the RAD part. Being able to design your application's user interface using the mouse is a real time saver.

Where do you see Dev C++ in the future?

Well, I hope more and more people will be pleased to use it. Currently there are many schools and universities that are switching to it, because it is free and follows the standards, thanks to GCC. We are also making a new Dev-C++ Resource Site, with automatic submissions of packages, documentation, tutorials, examples... that everybody can participate and share their documents.

Thank you for your time

Thank you

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