CodeLite vs GNOME Builder
CodeLite
codelite.orgGNOME Builder
apps.gnome.orgSide by side
| Figure | CodeLite | GNOME Builder |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Rust IDEs | 8.1 (#3) | 7.6 (#8) |
| Spec score · Integrated Development Environments | 7.9 (#31) | 7.5 (#42) |
Plans
In their own words
CodeLite
CodeLite is a free, open-source IDE for C, C++, Rust, PHP, and Node.js; project materials also identify Python development as a focus. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its core tools include smart completion, code navigation, a built-in debugger, Git integration, and a plugin system. Configured language servers can add completion, go-to-definition, and reference search. The Git plugin covers cloning, staging, commits, pushes, pulls, branches, diffs, and history. PHP tools include XDebug debugging, syntax checks, refactoring, project management, and SFTP synchronization. The Remoty plugin supports remote coding tasks including building, execution, debugging, Git, and project management. References to classes, functions, and files in Claude Code and Kiro CLI can be opened in the editor. CodeLite is distributed under GPLv2, with an exception allowing third-party plugins to use other licenses. The Git plugin requires Git to be installed separately.
GNOME Builder
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.