Dev-C++

Bloodshed Dev C acts as a compiler for C++, and programmers who want to increase their speed and efficiency will find a lot of value in this software. Unlike the other programming tools in your arsenal, Bloodshed Dev C takes away a lot of the coddling that you might experience with some of the other compilers. Bloodshed Dev C works as more of a traditional compiler, and it is meant for people who understand C++ on a more in-depth level. While Bloodshed Dev C is a fully-featured program, you also have the bare skeleton of what you need. Nevertheless, what it lacks for in aesthetic appeal, it fully makes up for when it comes to efficiency.

Bloodshed Dev C lets you organize the different methods and classes into a simpler reading directory. You can access everything faster, and it makes the grouping of specific files relatively easier. The software encourages speed, which is what Bloodshed was designed to help with. Bloodshed also includes a useful debugging tool that will let you figure out the kinks in your program. In addition to showing you where they occur, the software tells you what steps you can take to eliminate the problem.

Some of the other features that you will find include a tool manager, class browsing, printer support, GCC-based compiler support and CVS support. Bloodshed Dev C is compatible with Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and NT. While the developers continue to work on bringing the software to the newer platforms, that is still a work in progress.

Keep in mind that Bloodshed Dev C might not be the best compiler for a beginner because it lacks the environment that is especially designed for new users. In general, Bloodshed Dev C will appeal to the professionals of C++, and those who are more ambitious and want the challenge of working in an environment with bare bones. The advantage of this type of environment is how it will force you to develop a real understanding of the programming language.

Dev C has not been updated since 2005. In addition, the developers do not maintain the software, and you have something that is very buggy. There are over 340 known bugs in Bloodshed Dev that will never get fixed, and getting help can be difficult because a large part of the programming community has moved on to bigger and better software like Clang. If you are a beginner, this might not be the software for you because the error messages do not tell you much compared to the more modern solutions. Since the compiler is outdated and buggy, it can lead to inefficient code, and it could even interfere with the learning process for someone just starting.

Pros

• Good for the speed and efficiency
• Operates as more of a traditional compiler
• The bare bones appeal increases efficiency

Cons

• No updates since 2005
• Buggy and inefficient coder that can hurt the learning process of a beginner