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CLion

jetbrains.com

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Spec score 9.3 #1 of 65 in Integrated Development Environments

What it is

CLion is a cross-platform IDE for C and C++ development, available for Linux, macOS and Windows. Its editor provides context-aware completion, code analysis, navigation and automated refactoring. Projects can use CMake, Makefile, Bazel, Meson or compilation databases. Debugging includes GDB and LLDB, variable inspection, memory and disassembly views, and core dump debugging. Remote workflows include a thin IDE client, full remote mode, Docker containers, WSL toolchains and remote debugging. For embedded development, CLion supports GCC ARM, IAR and custom toolchains, on-chip debugging, PlatformIO, STM32CubeMX, Zephyr and FreeRTOS. Testing support covers Google Test, Boost.Test, Doctest and Catch with a built-in runner. The IDE also integrates version control systems and supports CMake, Python, JavaScript, XML, HTML and Markdown, with other languages available through plugins. The non-commercial plan costs nothing and is for non-commercial use. Commercial development requires a subscription; CLion Commercial — Individual costs $10.90 a month and includes a free 30-day trial.

Spec sheet

What it does
CLion is a cross-platform JetBrains IDE for C and C++ development with code analysis, navigation, building, debugging and testing in one environment.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Purpose
CLion is a cross-platform IDE for C and C++ development.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Support
The non-commercial plan provides public forums and a bug tracker; the commercial plan also offers private tickets.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Headquarters
Amsterdam, NetherlandsRead 23 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Founded
2000Read 23 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Additional languages
In addition to C and C++, CLion provides support for CMake, Python, JavaScript, XML, HTML, Markdown, and languages available through plugins.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
AI and extensibility
The IDE includes MCP support, Agent Client Protocol integrations, bundled AI skills, unlimited free AI completion and bring-your-own-key options.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
API limitation
CLion has no separately guaranteed stable public API; plugins use the IntelliJ Platform Open API, which can change between releases.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Build systems
Supported project formats include CMake, Makefile, Meson and compilation databases.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Clang-tidy
CLion runs clang-tidy in the editor and supports project configuration files, custom binaries and per-check settings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Code analysis
The editor performs on-the-fly error and warning inspections and offers one-click quick fixes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Code coverage
Coverage runs use llvm-cov or gcov and work with CMake applications plus Boost.Test, Google Test and Catch configurations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Coding assistance
Its editor provides context-aware completion, code analysis, navigation, and automated refactorings.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Company founding and ownership
JetBrains was founded in 2000 and is privately held; Crunchbase lists Eugene Belyaev, Sergey Dmitriev and Valentin Kipiatkov as founders.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Company headquarters
JetBrains lists its headquarters at Terrace Tower, Gelrestraat 16, Amsterdam, Netherlands.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Company legal name
Crunchbase identifies the legal entity as JetBrains s.r.o., a private for-profit company.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Company size
LinkedIn places JetBrains in the 1,001–5,000 employee range and lists Amsterdam as headquarters.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Debugger
CLion integrates GDB on all platforms, LLDB on macOS and Linux, and supports debugger-agnostic DAP connections.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Debugging
CLion supports GDB and LLDB and includes memory and disassembly views, variable inspection, and core dump debugging.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Documentation
The help center covers installation, toolchains, project formats, debugging, testing, version control, profiling, remote development and plugin development.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Embedded development
CLion supports STM32 and Zephyr workflows, PlatformIO, GCC or IAR toolchains, OpenOCD, SEGGER J-Link and RTOS-aware debugging.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Funding
JetBrains' corporate overview describes the company as privately funded and grown without external funding.Read 15 Oct 2026 · resources.jetbrains.com
Integrations reported by GetApp
GetApp users identify Git and GitHub as key integrations, each with a 5.0 integration rating on the displayed reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Limit: G2 reviewers
Repeated complaints include sluggishness, occasional crashes or restarts, difficult compiler setup, 64-bit-only operation and weaker Linux or GitHub/GitLab experiences.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: Software Advice reviewers
Complaints mention high CPU or memory use, imperfect error detection and a need for external compiler setup.Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Limit: Trustpilot complaints
Recent reviewers repeatedly report AI credit exhaustion, expensive AI subscriptions, slow or buggy IDE updates, crashes, high resource use and refund or support frustrations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Limit: TrustRadius reviewers
A recurring TrustRadius limitation is that CLion requires a 64-bit system.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
MISRA
Built-in inspections cover a subset of MISRA C 2012, MISRA C++ 2008 and MISRA C++:2023 checks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Notable release
CLion 2026.2 added a debugger skill for AI agents, C++26 reflection support, updated bundled toolchains and removed the Classic engine from the main IDE.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Operating-system support
The current installation guide lists Windows 10/11, macOS 15/26 and specified Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian and Amazon Linux releases.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Plugins
Plugins can be installed from JetBrains Marketplace or local archives and can add language, VCS, issue-tracker and build-server capabilities.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Praise: G2 reviewers
Reviewers repeatedly praise CMake support, navigation, refactoring, intuitive use, code completion and broad C++ integrations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: Software Advice reviewers
Reviewers highlight the user-friendly interface, dependency navigation, debugger, CMake integration, code analysis and plugins.Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Praise: TrustRadius reviewers
TrustRadius reviewers praise built-in CMake, unit testing, documentation, version control and a shallow learning curve.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Rating on Capterra
4.7 out of 5 from 15 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on G2
4.4 out of 5 from 55 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on GetApp
4.7 out of 5 from 15 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Software Advice
4.7 out of 5 from 15 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Rating on Trustpilot
2.6 out of 5 from 102 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Rating on TrustRadius
8.4 out of 10 from 14 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Remote development
Remote development uses an SSH server and requires local or network block storage; NFS and SMB network filesystems are unsupported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Security and compliance
JetBrains' trust center describes SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, infrastructure security, product security and data-protection controls.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Support reported by GetApp
GetApp lists chat, email or help-desk support and documentation as training material.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
System requirements
The 2026.2 requirements list a four-core x86_64 or arm64 CPU, 8 GB total RAM, 10 GB disk space and 1280×720 display.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Testing
Built-in test integrations cover GoogleTest, Catch2, Boost.Test and Doctest, with CTest support for CMake projects.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Usage limit
Commercial development requires a commercial subscription; the free plan is for non-commercial use.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Version control
Bundled integrations support Git, Mercurial and Perforce, with GitHub and GitLab pull-request or merge-request workflows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com

Plans and prices

CLion Non-Commercial Free individual non-commercial use · learning and self-education · open-source contributions without commercial benefit · hobby development · AI Free included · public-forum and bug-tracker support Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
CLion Commercial $10.90 a month monthly commercial development · individual or organization · 30-day free trial · AI Free included · private-ticket, forum and bug-tracker support Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
CLion Commercial — Individual $10.90 a month Billed monthly Commercial development · free 30-day trial · support via private tickets, public forums, and a bug tracker Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
All Products Pack $29.90 a month monthly 10 IDEs · Air · 3 extensions · 2 profilers · 10 JetBrains AI Credits per 30 days Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com

Every CLion plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports five listed build-system options
  • Includes GDB and LLDB debugging
  • Built-in test runner supports four frameworks
  • Free non-commercial plan is available
  • Commercial plan includes a free 30-day trial

Limits

  • Free plan is limited to non-commercial use
  • Commercial development requires a subscription
  • Commercial individual plan costs $10.90 a month

Who it suits

CLion suits C and C++ developers who need build, debugging and testing tools across desktop platforms. Its free plan is for non-commercial use, while commercial development requires a subscription.

CLion in depth

Read the full write-up

CLion is JetBrains’ cross-platform IDE for C and C++ development, best suited to developers who want build, debugging and testing workflows in one environment. Its range reaches from general native projects to embedded work, but commercial development means taking on a paid subscription.

Overview

CLion brings editing, project building, debugging, testing and version control together. That breadth is useful when a C or C++ project spans several tools and workflows; it is harder to justify for someone who needs only a lightweight editor. The editor combines context-aware completion with code analysis, navigation and automated refactoring.

It also supports CMake, Python, JavaScript, XML, HTML and Markdown, with additional languages available through plugins. JetBrains was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Amsterdam. Its Trust Center covers security practices, compliance certifications and data protection, including SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance.

Key features

Builds, analysis and debugging

Support for CMake, Makefile, Bazel, Meson and compilation database projects gives teams room to use different established build setups. Data flow analysis, Clangd-based checks and Clang-Tidy help identify code issues, while Google Sanitizers and Valgrind integrations extend checking to runtime errors. This is a strong set of tools for developers managing correctness across a substantial codebase.

The built-in debugger supports GDB and LLDB, with variable inspection, memory and disassembly views, and core dump debugging. Those capabilities suit work that calls for more than stepping through a simple program; developers who do not need debugging integrated with their IDE may find less reason to choose CLion.

Remote, embedded and testing workflows

Remote options include a thin IDE client, full remote mode, Docker containers, WSL toolchains and remote debugging. For embedded projects, CLion supports GCC ARM, IAR and custom toolchains, on-chip debugging, PlatformIO, STM32CubeMX, Zephyr and FreeRTOS. That combination makes it relevant to embedded developers as well as desktop C and C++ teams, though its value depends on needing those workflows.

The built-in test runner supports Google Test, Boost.Test, Doctest and Catch. Version control has a unified interface for Subversion, Git, GitHub, Mercurial, CVS and Perforce. Support for both several test frameworks and a wide range of version control systems can reduce the need to switch tools during routine work.

Pricing

The CLion Non-Commercial plan costs free. It is for individual non-commercial use, including learning, self-education, open-source contributions without commercial benefits, content creation and hobby development. Support comes through public forums and a bug tracker. The key limit is purpose: commercial development requires a commercial subscription, so this is not a free route for professional paid work.

CLion Commercial — Individual costs $10.90 a month, billed monthly. It covers commercial development and adds private-ticket support alongside public forums and the bug tracker. A free 30-day trial gives prospective subscribers a way to evaluate it before paying. The individual plan is suited to a solo commercial developer; its monthly billing does not remove the recurring subscription cost.

Platforms

CLion runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. The installation guide lists Windows 10 or 11, macOS 15 or 26, and specified Linux distributions as supported operating systems. This cross-platform reach is useful for developers choosing a consistent IDE across those desktop systems, though the supported OS versions still matter when planning an installation.

Who it's for

CLion is most compelling for C and C++ developers who need integrated build-system support, debugging and testing, especially those working with remote environments or embedded toolchains. Its non-commercial plan also suits learners, hobbyists and open-source contributors whose work has no commercial benefits. It is a weaker fit for commercial developers unwilling to pay a subscription, or for programmers whose needs do not extend beyond basic editing.

Pros and cons

Broad build-system coverage: CMake, Makefile, Bazel, Meson and compilation databases accommodate varied C and C++ project setups.

Deep debugging and analysis: GDB and LLDB support, memory and disassembly views, core dump debugging, static checks and runtime error tools give developers several ways to investigate defects.

Embedded and remote options: On-chip debugging, named embedded toolchains and remote workflows make CLion relevant beyond local desktop projects.

Commercial use is paid: The free plan excludes commercial development, while the individual commercial plan costs $10.90 a month.

Free use is purpose-limited: The no-cost plan fits learning, hobbies and qualifying open-source contributions, not paid professional work.

Alternatives

Consider Qt Creator if its freemium model, free open-source plan and support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows better match your platform needs; Qt framework use is subject to LGPL/GPL obligations.

C++Builder is another alternative to compare if you want to assess a paid offering with a free Community Edition.

Arm Keil MDK may suit readers comparing a freemium embedded-development option, including a Community plan for non-commercial use.

Infineon ModusToolbox is a free alternative for Infineon microcontroller development on Windows, Linux or macOS.

Visual Studio is worth considering if you need a Windows-only IDE with a Community plan for students, open-source and individual developers.

IAR Embedded Workbench offers a 14-day evaluation for non-commercial use, with runtime library source, C-STAT and MISRA C support excluded.

Sensory TrulySecure is another free alternative to compare.

C2000Ware is a free option for C2000 microcontroller development, with an installer that requires export approval.

For a wider comparison, browse C++ IDEs, IDE Software or Integrated Development Environments.

Verdict

Choose CLion if you want a cross-platform C and C++ IDE that brings diverse build systems, capable debugging, testing, remote work and embedded development into one product. Its non-commercial plan is a useful fit for learning and hobby work; commercial developers should choose it only if that integrated breadth is worth $10.90 a month. Look elsewhere if you need a no-cost IDE for commercial development.

Verdict

CLion specifies broad build, debugging, embedded and testing support for C and C++ work. Non-commercial use has a free plan; commercial use requires a paid subscription.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to CLionAll alternatives →