C++Builder vs Code::Blocks

C++Builder is an integrated C++ development environment for building native applications, with Windows development emphasized. Its compiler has initial support for C++23 and pairs Clang enhancements with the Dinkumware STL. The VCL component library provides visual and non-visual elements for Windows interfaces, and build configurations can use MSBuild or CMake. FireDAC connects natively to Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, SQLite, PostgreSQL, DB2, and Firebird. HTTP and REST client libraries can invoke REST services, with components for AWS and Azure also included. The IDE names Subversion and Git as supported repository integrations, and plugins can add tool windows, code completion, syntax highlighting, and debugging hooks. Integrated debugging and testing tools are listed. Community Edition costs nothing for limited commercial use, while annual revenue remains under US$5,000 and the team has no more than five developers. A 30-day free trial is available. Enterprise Edition includes an InterBase ToGo license for encrypted embedded database capabilities.

Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its editor provides syntax highlighting, code folding, tabs, code completion, a class browser, and smart indent. A custom build system supports parallel builds, multi-target projects, workspaces, and inter-project dependencies. Listed compiler options include GCC, MSVC++, clang, Digital Mars, Borland C++ 5.5, and Open Watcom. The debugger interfaces with GNU GDB and also supports MS CDB, which the site describes as not fully featured. Code::Blocks imports MSVC projects and workspaces, although assembly code is not supported in those imports, and it imports Dev-C++ projects. A plugin framework allows added functionality through installed or written plugins; some are included in official releases and others are maintained externally. The software uses GNU GPL version 3, while its SDK uses GNU LGPL version 3, allowing closed-source plugins to link against it. Documentation is provided through a manual, wiki, and forums.