Best IDE

[drenami]

What is the best C++ IDE? I am in particular looking for code templates or insertions to make coding faster/lessen the strain of having to remember syntax.

[1yR4jE8b]

If you're in Windows or Linux:

www.netbeans.org

You'll need a java runtime installed to run it, but IMO, this is the absolute best IDE for every single language I use it for (Java, C/C++, Python, html/php). It doesn't come with a compiler though, so you'll need to install one yourself (I recommend the TDM-MinGW branch of GCC, if you're in windows)

I've been using the 6.9 RC for about 2 weeks now, and it's rock solid.

If you want to do Windows specific programming (ewwwww), then install Visual C++ 2010 Express, and you're on a Mac then get XCode from Apple.

[Bazzy]

Code::Blocks allows easy set up for custom project templates and auto-completing code abbreviations
http://www.codeblocks.org/docs/main_codeblocks_en3.html#x3-50001.3
http://www.codeblocks.org/docs/main_codeblocks_en3.html#x3-140001.10.2

[drenami]

Are those Code::Blocks features available in NetBeans?

Is there a steep learning curve for Code::Blocks or NetBeans? Iif so this might favor NetBeans because it works with so many languages; if not, I might try both.

[idbentley]

Generally -- in my experience anyways -- multi language IDE's usually are not as good as specific language IDE's. It's one of those "do one thing well" type experiences. Personally, for Java I can't live without an IDE, all the class names are 100 characters long, and auto completion is the only thing between me and carpel tunnel, but for C++, I prefer an efficient text editor (vim, emacs, notepad++/whatever the windows vogue is) and a command line compiler.

[Galik]

I use eclipse and think its pretty excellent: http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

I think NetBeans looks pretty good too, but I've been happy enough with eclipse that I never seriously tried out NetBeans.

Eclipse has great code-completion and brings up relevant bubble info on mouse hover. So if you hover the mouse over a variable type name it will bring up a window showing the type declaration etc...

[Seraphimsan]

I loathe windows with a fiery passion, but I must admit I'm guilty of using VS 2010 as my windows IDE. It really is better than anything else out there for windows. Faster compilation, great optimization, an amazing debugger. I hate that I love it since I love to hate it, but regardless It's still a great IDE.

[arathalion]

Eclipse is also supposed to have really good UML -> code stub plugins.

Don't actually know myself.

[Bazzy]

I'm guilty of using VS 2010 as my windows IDE. It really is better than anything else out there for windows. Faster compilation, great optimization, an amazing debugger.

Code::Blocks can use VC++ compiler and debugger