Dev-C++ 6.30

Dev-C++: Free Windows IDE for C and C++ Development

Dev-C++ is a free, open-source integrated development environment for writing C and C++ programs on Windows. It originated with the Bloodshed project, and the current release, version 5.11, is an update of that project maintained by developer Orwell and distributed through SourceForge. The IDE combines code editing, compilation, debugging, and basic resource management in a single package.

Core Functionality

• Code editor: The editor provides syntax highlighting, code folding, and basic auto-completion to support source navigation. Indent guides and comment toggling are included, and the Edit menu offers a Toggle Comment command.
• Built-in compiler: Dev-C++ ships with a MinGW toolchain, so projects can be compiled and run from the IDE without manual external configuration. Version 5.11 uses TDM-GCC 4.9.2 as its default compiler.
• Integrated debugger: Step-through debugging, breakpoints, and variable inspection support diagnosing runtime behavior during development.
• Project management: Multiple source files can be organized into projects, which simplifies building and managing small to medium-sized applications.
• Resource and interface editors: Basic resource management tools allow icons, dialogs, and other UI components to be included and edited alongside source code.
• Code formatting: A Formatter Options setting based on AStyle includes a GUI option for maximum line length, added in version 5.10.

Recent Releases

Version 5.11, released in April 2015, improved startup speed and fixed a crash that occurred when double-clicking a compiler error while text was selected. It also corrected the Abort Compilation button, which had stopped working, and resolved crashes in the TCppParser routines for typedef structs and enums. Version 5.10, released in March 2015, removed the splash window, temporarily removed the web update window, and rewrote the LangCheck tool used to validate translation files.

Usability and Practical Applications

Dev-C++ targets students, hobbyists, and developers who need a compact, Windows-focused environment for learning and building C and C++ programs. Its bundled MinGW compiler and straightforward project system reduce setup effort, which suits classroom use, simple utilities, and small-scale native applications. Installation options include a setup with TDM-GCC 4.9.2 for both 32-bit and 64-bit compilation, a setup without a compiler, and portable versions of each. On first run, the IDE configures a 32-bit and a 64-bit compiler profile automatically and selects the 32-bit profile if the computer does not support 64-bit. The interface follows a traditional IDE layout, which may be familiar to developers who have used other classic Windows development tools. The program is partially translated into around thirty languages, and the project invites community translators to update existing translations or add new ones.