Dev-C++
What it is
Dev-C++ is a free integrated development environment for creating C and C++ programs on Windows. It can build Windows GUI and console applications, static libraries, and DLLs. The editor includes code completion, customization options, a class browser, and function listing. Build tools include Makefile creation, resource-file editing and compilation, profiling, and find and replace. Dev-C++ supports GCC-based compilers such as MinGW, Cygwin, and TDM-GCC. The listed Dev-C++ 5 download includes MinGW/GCC 3.4.2 and GDB 5.2.1 for local debugging. The software is licensed under GNU GPL version 2, and its source code is available under that license. The site describes it as a learning tool for developers, students, and researchers, and says it is used at universities and schools. Dev-C++ is available in more than 30 languages. The project dates to 1998, and Colin Laplace identifies himself as its original author and maintainer. The site provides a searchable FAQ and lists wxWidgets, GTK+, Qt, FLTK, and the Win32 API as GUI libraries usable with Dev-C++ and MinGW.
For and against
For
- Free software licensed under GNU GPL version 2.
- Creates GUI and console apps, libraries, and DLLs.
- Includes code completion and a class browser.
- Supports MinGW, Cygwin, and TDM-GCC.
- Available in more than 30 languages.
Against
- Windows is the only supported platform listed.
- The Linux version was abandoned.
- The listed Dev-C++ 5 download targets older Windows versions.
The verdict
Dev-C++ offers core editing, build, and local debugging tools for C and C++ on Windows. Its platform limits and the older operating systems listed for the Dev-C++ 5 download matter when assessing fit.
Who it suits
Dev-C++ suits Windows users learning or developing C and C++ programs, including students and researchers. It supports GCC-based toolchains and local debugging.
Plans and prices
Dev-C++
Windows IDE · GPL v2
Read 7 Oct 2026 · dev-cpp.com
On the record
- Build features
- It supports Makefile generation, resource file editing and compilation, profiling, and find and replace.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Compiler and debugger
- The listed Dev-C++ 5 download includes the Mingw/GCC 3.4.2 compiler and GDB 5.2.1 debugger.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Compiler compatibility
- The IDE supports GCC-based compilers including Mingw and Cygwin.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Editor and navigation
- Features include code completion, a customizable editor, a class browser, and function listing.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The FAQ lists wxWidgets, GTK+, Qt, FLTK, and the Win32 API as GUI libraries usable with Dev-C++ and Mingw.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Dev-C++ as a learning tool used by developers, students, and researchers, and says it is popular among universities and schools.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The site says Dev-C++ is available in more than 30 languages.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- Dev-C++ is free software licensed under GNU GPL version 2, and its source code is available under the same license.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- Colin Laplace identifies himself as the original author and maintainer of the Dev-C++ project.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Platform limits
- The Dev-C++ 5 download page lists support for Windows 98, NT, 2000, and XP; the FAQ says the Linux version was abandoned.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- The website privacy policy says it uses Google Analytics and AdSense and describes technical and organizational measures to protect personal information, while stating it cannot guarantee absolute security.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Project types
- It supports creating Windows GUI and console applications, static libraries, and DLLs.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Dev-C++ is a full-featured C and C++ integrated development environment for Windows.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site provides a searchable FAQ covering compilation, debugging, libraries, platform issues, and other topics.dev-cpp.com · read 7 Oct 2026
