CLion vs Code::Blocks
CLion
jetbrains.com
Code::Blocks
codeblocks.orgSide by side
| Figure | CLion | Code::Blocks |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $10.90/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Integrated Development Environments | 9.3 (#1) | 7.9 (#30) |
| Spec score · IDE Software | 9.4 (#2) | 7.9 (#24) |
| Spec score · C++ IDEs | 9.3 (#2) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Debugging | CLion supports GDB and LLDB and includes memory and disassembly views, variable inspection, and core dump debugging. | The debugger interfaces with GNU GDB and also supports MS CDB, which the site says is not fully featured. |
| Purpose | CLion is a cross-platform IDE for C and C++ development. | Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran. |
| Support | The non-commercial plan provides public forums and a bug tracker; the commercial plan also offers private tickets. | The site directs users to its manual, wiki and forums for documentation, help and discussion. |
Plans
CLion
- CLion Non-CommercialFree
- CLion Commercial$10.90 a month
- CLion Commercial — Individual$10.90 a month
- All Products Pack$29.90 a month
In their own words
CLion
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.
Code::Blocks
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.