What is Code::Blocks

Features of Code::Blocks

Compilers

GCC, MinGW, Digital Mars, Microsoft Visual C++, Borland C++, LLVM Clang, Watcom, LCC, and the Intel C++ compiler are among the compilers that Code::Blocks supports. Although the IDE was built for C++, it also supports Fortran and D. Other programming languages are supported through a plug-in system.

Code Editor

The IDE includes syntax highlighting and code folding, C++ code completion, a class browser, a hex editor, and a plethora of additional utilities. Files that have been opened are sorted into tabs. The code editor allows you to choose a font and font size, as well as customize the syntax highlighting colors.

Debugger

Breakpoints are fully supported by the Code::Blocks debugger. It also gives the user access to the local function symbol and argument display, user-defined watches, call stack, disassembly, custom memory dump, thread switching, CPU registers, and the GNU Debugger Interface, allowing them to debug their application.

GUI Designer

As of version 13.12, Code::Blocks includes a graphical user interface designer called wxSmith. It is a fork of wxWidgets version 2.9.4. The proper wxWidgets SDK must be installed in order to create a complete wxWidgets application.

User Migration

Some features of Code::Blocks are aimed at users migrating from other IDEs, such as Dev-C++, Microsoft Visual C++ project import (MSVC 7 & 10), and Dev-C++ Devpak support.

Build System and Project Files

Code::Blocks employs a unique build system that stores data in XML-based project files. It can optionally use external makefiles, making it easier to interact with projects that use the GNU or make-build systems.

Advantages of Using Code::Blocks

Some of the advantages of code::blocks are discussed below:

• Windows, Linux, and macOS are a few of the systems that support Code::Blocks. Developers may work on several operating systems just because of their cross-platform interoperability without having to change their development environment.
   
• A user-friendly interface that is simple to use and comprehend is offered by Code::Blocks. Developers can arrange and organize their workspace in accordance with their preferences.
   
• C, C++, and Fortran are just a few of the many programming languages that Code::Blocks supports. Additionally, it supports plugins for additional languages like Python and Java.
   
• A built-in debugger in Code::Blocks enables programmers to effectively debug their programs. Breakpoints, stepping through the code, and variable inspection are some of the capabilities it offers.

Installing Code::Blocks

Step 1: Download the most recent version of Code::Blocks from their website. Select the "mingw-setup" variant from the download page's Windows section; this is an all-in-one installation that includes all necessary utilities. Select the FossHUB download option.

Step 2: Start the installer after the download is finished. The installer will be placed in the location selected when it was downloaded. The setup wizard will show on the screen after you open the installation. To proceed, click the "Next" button.

Step 3: Read the end user license agreement carefully. If you agree to the conditions and want to install the software, click "I Agree" after reading.

Step 4: Make sure "Full" installation is selected from the top drop-down menu; this contains all required software components. After that, click "Next" to continue.

Step 5: Code::Blocks will be installed by default under C:\Program Files\CodeBlocks. If you want to utilize this, click "Install"; otherwise, use the "Browse" button to choose a custom install path before proceeding with the installation.

Step 6: The installation will take a few minutes and will display its progress in the window.

Step 7: Do not run Code::Blocks when requested. First, finish the installation wizard. This is accomplished by clicking the "Next" button on the installer screen, followed by the "Finish" button on the completion page.

Setting up C++ File

Step 1: Launch Code::Blocks. To launch the program, double-click the Code::Blocks icon the installer placed on your desktop. Accept GNU GCC Compiler as the default if requested. To do so, go to the GNU GCC Compiler item and select "Set as Default". To proceed, press the "OK" button.

Step 2: Select the option to associate Code::Blocks with C and C++ file formats if requested, then click "OK." This will enable you to open certain types of files by default in Code::Blocks.

Step 3: Select the “Create a new project” link adjacent to the folder symbol on the main page. This will launch a new window in which you can configure your project.

Step 4: Select the "Files" heading on the left side of the "New from Template" window. Then click the "C/C++ Source" button. To proceed, press the "Go" button.

Step 5: Create and configure your C++ file using the wizard. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 6: Choose the option to make a "C++" file. To proceed, after selecting, click the "Next" button.

Step 7: To enter the Explorer window and create your C++ file, click the "..." option on the setup menu.

Step 8: Navigate to find a location where your C++ code will be saved (it is advised that you make a different folder for each project). Give a name to your C++ file next. To save your file with the specified name and location, click "Save" at the end.

Step 9: To finalize the creation of your C++ file, click "Finish".

Also read -  File Handling in CPP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interpreter?

The software by which the conversion of the high-level instructions is performed line-by-line to machine-level language, other than compiler and assembler, is known as Interpreter. Various languages now use interpreters like Java.

What is a code editor?

A code editor is one of the frequently used tools for programmers, and it was developed with the main purpose of making the process of editing code more streamlined and straightforward.

What is an IDE?

IDEs are software tools that make it easier to create new software applications. One of the most significant benefits of using an IDE is that it gives a centralized interface for all of the tools that a developer needs. 

What is Code::Blocks in Simple Terms?

Code::Blocks is a free, open-source, cross-platform IDE that works with a variety of compilers, including GCC, Clang, and Visual C++. It is written in C++ and uses the wxWidgets GUI toolkit. 

Conclusion

This article introduced an open-source IDE, Code::Blocks, which supports a wide range of renowned compilers, as an alternative approach to creating C/C++ programming in a different arena. Although this article focuses on Windows, the concepts are applicable to Linux and Mac platforms as well. In this tutorial, we covered what code::blocks is, its various features, along with complete stepwise installation.

To better understand the topic, you can refer to Dynamic Binding in C++, Difference Between Compiler and Assembler, and Download and Install Spring Tool Suite IDE.

For more information, refer to our Guided Path on CodeStudio to upskill yourself in Python, Data Structures and Algorithms, Competitive Programming, System Design, and many more! 

Head over to our practice platform, CodeStudio, to practice top problems, attempt mock tests, read interview experiences and interview bundles, follow guided paths for placement preparations, and much more!