20 replies to this topic

[Kntwriter]

Hey all.

As I beginning programmer that is teaching himself, I have a few questions about IDEs that I would like to ask.

From what I understand, an IDE combines an editor, compiler, and linker into one package. Is this correct?

Do they work for more than one language or do you need a separate one for each language you plan to program in? I am starting off in C++ but from what I have seen so far it seems to be advisable, if not mandatory, to learn additional languages. (As a side note, any suggestions on which other languages I should learn? I am wanting to get into game programming.)

Which IDE would be best for someone starting out? I have limited funds at the moment so please keep that in mind. I figure I can always upgrade at a later time after I convince my wife I am serious about this.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[Vaielab]

There is no "best IDE".
Each IDE have their pro and con.

Me, I like Eclipse, it run under windows and linux, and can do a lots of language.
But you need to be confortable with your IDE since it's gonna be your main tool.
So you'll have to try them all, and decide for yourself.

[fread]

Quote

From what I understand, an IDE combines an editor, compiler, and linker into one package. Is this correct?

More or less that is the idea.
As said before there is no best; that is based on opinion. I use Netbeans. It handles C, C++, and Java very easily for me.

[lespauled]

Another option is Turbo C++. Probably the first C++ IDE that was an amazing leap forward, although dated now.

[WingedPanther]

I would NOT recommend Turbo C++.

Let's start with a more basic question: what operating system are you using? Also, are you working on learning Standard C++, or do you want to jump right into GUI programs?

[lespauled]

Why not? Turbo can handle ANSI C/C++ as well as the Turbo-specific C/C++. It's just a setting in the environment.

[Kntwriter]

I currently use Windows.

As for the other question, I had not thought about it. I have looked at a few different tutorials online and checked out C/C++ for dummies from the library. I am still trying to figure out which would be best to learn from and they all talk about compilers and IDEs, although they each recommend a different one. So I thought I could come on here and see if I could get some help as to which to get, or at least to narrow down the field some.

[lespauled]

Although it's the evil empire, I think this is the best (ALL FREE):

Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Express: Visual C++ 2010 Express | Microsoft Visual Studio

others:

NetBeans C++: http://netbeans.org/...oads/index.html
CodeLite: CodeLite | Free Development software downloads at SourceForge.net
CodeBlocks: Download binary

[Cruel Hand]

i like eclipse for java and dev c++ for c :)

[bbqroast]

Code::Blocks for the win! Comes with MinGW32 which compiles onto Linux, Windows and Mac. Nice variable prediction and easy to set up external libraries (eg SDL).

[WingedPanther]

lespauled said:

Why not? Turbo can handle ANSI C/C++ as well as the Turbo-specific C/C++. It's just a setting in the environment.

It's also very OLD. If you're trying to learn modern C++, that's asking for problems.

[gregwarner]

Kntwriter said:

From what I understand, an IDE combines an editor, compiler, and linker into one package. Is this correct?

And a Debugger! :)

I use Netbeans, although some have stated that Netbeans 7 is horribly buggy, and I agree. Eclipse is also very good, with a strong support community and is under active development. I would go against my personal preference and recommend Eclipse to you. Supports many languages.