C++Builder vs Visual Studio
C++Builder
embarcadero.com
Visual Studio
visualstudio.microsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | C++Builder | Visual Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 18 |
| Spec score · C++ IDEs | 8.3 (#5) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Spec score · Integrated Development Environments | 8.3 (#14) | 8.3 (#18) |
| Spec score · Mobile Development IDEs | 8.3 (#11) | 8.3 (#13) |
| Spec score · Integrated Development Environment Ide Software | 8.3 (#12) | 8.4 (#10) |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas, United States | Microsoft's global headquarters are in Redmond, Washington. |
| Product | C++Builder is an integrated C++ development environment for building native applications, with Windows development emphasized on its product page. | Visual Studio is a fully featured IDE for building web, cloud, desktop, mobile apps, services, and games. |
| Security | The product page describes encrypted embedded database capabilities through the InterBase ToGo license included with Enterprise Edition. | Visual Studio Enterprise is described as including enterprise security, and Visual Studio can integrate with Azure security tools. |
| Support | The support page says product support is for customers with a current support contract; the first year of Support and Maintenance is included with a C++Builder purchase. | Visual Studio provides a product-specific support page for help with issues related to Visual Studio. |
Plans
C++Builder
- Community EditionFree
- ArchitectPriced on request
- EnterprisePriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- Pro Term LicensePrice not published
Visual Studio
- CommunityPrice not published
- Professional monthly$45 a month
- Enterprise monthly$250 a month
- Professional standard$99.99 a year
- Enterprise standard$499.92 a year
- IDE standalone$499, paid once
- Visual Studio CommunityFree
- Visual Studio CommunityFree
- Visual Studio Professional monthly$45 a month
- Visual Studio Professional monthly$45 a month
In their own words
C++Builder
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.
Visual Studio
Visual Studio is a Windows IDE for building web, cloud, desktop, and mobile apps, as well as services and games. It combines code editing, graphical designers, compilers, code completion, source control, and extensions. Listed development support covers Windows desktop, ASP.NET web work, Python, Node.js,.NET Core, Docker tools, and cross-platform C++ libraries. Debugging and testing tools include IntelliTrace, memory dump analysis, static code analysis, unit testing, code coverage, and IntelliTest. GitHub support lets users authenticate, create repositories, and push commits within the IDE. Visual Studio can create and manage Azure resources and deploy applications, and it supports Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions for CI/CD automation. GitHub Copilot provides code completion, chat, multi-file editing, debugging assistance, and test generation. Community is free, subject to limits for enterprise organizations. Professional monthly access costs $45 a month, and Enterprise monthly access costs $250 a month. A free trial is listed.