Computer programming languages have evolved over the years and there's no sign of a regression in this respect. The existing IDEs get updated with more and more features to help developers create their applications as easily as possible, in error-free environments.
One of the tools that is still very useful, even though is hasn't received an update for years on, is DEV-C++. This open-source utility comes with many handy features, but mainly for basic programming needs rather than for advanced programming.
The installation runs smoothly, so you'll be able to work with the application in a matter of seconds rather than minutes as in the case of the heavy-weights you can find in this software category. The interface is quite user-friendly, with all the options in plain sight and a generous workspace.
With the help of this tool you'll be able to create and edit many common source file formats such as .C, .CPP, .CC, .C++ or .CP. It is capable of handling as well header files with the following extensions: .H, .HPP, .RH and .HH. Also, resource scripts (.RC) are supported and you'll be able to save your projects in the native .DEV format.
The DEV-C++ IDE also has the required compiling and debugging commands you would expect. Individual configurations for compiler, environment and editor are available, so you'll be able to fully customize them. If you feel some functions or operations require some explanations, you can find the answers for most questions in the application's documentation.
As an integrated programing environment, this software will surely be more than sufficient for those who don't need modern features. It provides all the necessary tools and packs a decent set of features to get one going on the code writing path, so it's worth at least a try, especially since it is completely free of cost.
DEV-C++ description
Here are some key features of "DEV-C++":
· Support GCC-based compilers · Integrated debugging (using GDB) · Support for multiple languages (localization) · Class Browser · Code Completion · Debug variable Browser · 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
Requirements:
· 32 MB of RAM · The executables compiled by Dev-C++ will need MSVCRT.DLL (comes with Windows 95 OSR 2 or higher)
What's New in This Release: [ read full changelog ]
· The toolbars now do not get cut off on restart after about the 800th horizontal pixel. · The tip of the day form now does not show up anymore when opening files (again). · Gutter auto sizing now takes folding into account. · Files that aren't highlighted are now loaded much faster. · Added a few hardcoded labels to the lang tables. · Reworked the Window List form. · Fixed some set management issues in the Compiler Options form. · Slightly reduced compilation overhead of the IDE shell around GCC. · Reduced memory usage. · Exporting editors to HTML now provides a perfect copy of the color scheme. · Fixed a memory leak in the Tools window. · When using code folding, the function tooltip now keeps working.
What's new in DEV-C++ 5.3.1 RC 1:
February 9th, 2013
· Startup time has been reduced by an order of magnitude.
· The class browser now redraws at least numvisibleitems times faster.
· "Search Again" (F3) is back from the dead.