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GNOME Builder

apps.gnome.org

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 7.6 #8 of 13 in Rust IDEs

What it is

GNOME Builder is a free integrated development environment for creating applications for GNOME. It integrates GTK+, GLib, and GNOME APIs, with editing features that include syntax highlighting, side-by-side editors, multi-monitor support, and a code overview mini-map. Git integration includes project cloning, and listed build integrations cover Autotools, Cargo, CMake, Gradle, Meson, Maven, Make, PHPize, and Waf. Code assistance includes Clang- and Python-based auto-completion, semantic highlighting, and diagnostics, plus Vala-based auto-completion and diagnostics. Builder offers live previews for HTML, Markdown, reStructuredText, and Sphinx, as well as optional Vim, Emacs, and SublimeText-style editing. Native applications can use its integrated debugger and software profiler. It supports jhbuild and Flatpak runtimes and integrates with arduino-cli. The app page says releases follow the GNOME schedule, every six months, and links to online help, contribution guidance, and an issue tracker. Builder is available for Linux desktops, with x86_64 and aarch64 builds listed.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Builder is an actively developed integrated development environment for creating applications for GNOME.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Build systems
It lists integrations with Autotools, Cargo, CMake, Gradle, Meson, Maven, Make, PHPize, and Waf.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Code assistance
It provides Clang- and Python-based auto-completion, semantic highlighting, and diagnostics, plus Vala-based auto-completion and diagnostics.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Debugging and profiling
Builder includes an integrated debugger and software profiler for native applications.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Editing
Features include syntax highlighting, side-by-side editors, multi-monitor support, and a code overview mini-map.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
GNOME technologies
It integrates support for GTK+, GLib, and GNOME APIs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Help and contributions
The app page links to online help, contribution guidance, and an issue tracker for feedback and bug reports.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Platform availability
Flathub lists Builder as desktop-only and provides x86_64 and aarch64 builds.Read 7 Oct 2026 · flathub.org
Preview and editing modes
It offers HTML, Markdown, reStructuredText, and Sphinx live preview, plus optional Vim, Emacs, and SublimeText-style editing.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Release cadence
The app page says Builder releases predictably with each GNOME release every six months.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Runtimes and other tools
It supports jhbuild and Flatpak runtimes and integrates with arduino-cli.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Version control
Builder integrates with Git, including cloning projects.Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.gnome.org
Who it is for
The documentation describes Builder as a project for creating software for the GNOME platform.Read 7 Oct 2026 · builder.readthedocs.io

Plans and prices

Free Free Desktop only · x86_64 and aarch64 Read 7 Oct 2026 · flathub.org

Every GNOME Builder plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Integrates GTK+, GLib, and GNOME APIs
  • Git support includes project cloning
  • Includes a debugger and native-app profiler
  • Offers live previews for four document formats

Limits

  • Available for Linux desktops only
  • Desktop builds are listed for two architectures

Who it suits

Builder suits developers creating software for the GNOME platform, especially those working with its GTK+, GLib, and GNOME APIs.

Verdict

Builder combines editing, build integrations, code assistance, and debugging for GNOME application development. It is free for Linux desktops, with x86_64 and aarch64 builds.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to GNOME BuilderAll alternatives →

Zed From $10/mo · Free plan 8.3 Visit