Dev-C++ - Free Download (2026)

Name: Dev-C++
Availability: InStock
Author: Bloodshed Software

Dev-C++ - Free C/C++ IDE

Dev-C++ is a free C/C++ IDE originally created by Bloodshed Software and now maintained by Embarcadero Technologies. It bundles the MinGW/TDM-GCC compiler and GDB debugger in a single installer, so you get everything needed to write, compile, and debug C or C++ code without setting anything up separately. Licensed under GPL v2.

It runs on Windows only. The current Embarcadero fork is actively updated.

Writing and compiling

The editor highlights syntax for C and C++, autocompletes function and variable names (Ctrl+Space), and formats code blocks through a built in AStyle reformatter (Tools > Code Reformatter). To compile and run, press F11. Output appears in a console window. If something fails, error messages link directly to the line number in your source file.

Debugging and projects

The integrated GDB debugger lets you set breakpoints by clicking line numbers, step through code with F10 (step over) and F11 (step into), and watch variable values in a side panel. The Class Browser (View > Class Browser) shows all classes, functions, and variables in your project as a tree. You can manage multi file projects through templates: File > New > Project, then pick Console Application or GUI Application.

Advantages

Ships with compiler and debugger included, no separate installs
Lightweight and fast compared to Visual Studio or CLion
Good for learning C/C++ basics

Drawbacks

Missing modern IDE features like integrated Git, refactoring tools, or CMake support
Windows only
Visual Studio Code with the C/C++ extension is a more capable free alternative
Code::Blocks offers similar functionality with better plugin support

Who it is for

Dev-C++ is popular with students taking introductory C/C++ courses because it just works out of the box. If you need a more capable IDE for larger projects, Visual Studio Community (free) or VS Code with the C/C++ extension are better choices. Code::Blocks is another lightweight option worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dev-C++ still maintained?

Yes. Embarcadero Technologies maintains an active fork with regular updates. The original Bloodshed version is abandoned, but the Embarcadero version is current.

Does Dev-C++ come with a compiler?

Yes. Dev-C++ bundles the MinGW/TDM-GCC compiler and GDB debugger. You can write, compile, and debug C/C++ code immediately after installing.

What are alternatives to Dev-C++?

Visual Studio Community is free and more capable for larger projects. VS Code with the C/C++ extension is a modern lightweight option. Code::Blocks offers similar functionality with better plugin support.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Step-by-step code debugging	Debug › Add Breakpoint (click line number) › F10 step over / F11 step into function › Watch panel shows variable values.
2	C and C++ syntax highlighting	File › New › C++ File › Automatic syntax highlighting for C/C++. Change language: Tools › Syntax Highlighting.
3	Code compilation and execution	Click Compile & Run (F11) › Compiles and runs the result in the terminal. Compile only: F9. Run only: F10.
4	Function and variable name autocompletion	While typing Ctrl+Space › Autocomplete menu for function/variable/class names from the project.
5	Multi-file project management	File › New › Project › Select template (Console/GUI) › Organize source files in the project tree.
6	Class and function structure browsing	View › Class Browser › Hierarchy of classes/functions/variables in the project tree.
7	Automatic code formatting	Tools › Code Reformatter › Select block › Automatic indentation and bracket formatting according to AStyle style.
8	Custom ROM installation	Tools › DevPaks Manager › Browse/install libraries (GTK+/wxWidgets) from the repository.