If you’re developing software, choosing the proper compiler is essential. This article lists the best C++ compiler for Windows, each with unique features and benefits.
Here is a list consisting of the best C++ compiler:
- MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows)
- Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler
- GCC
- Clang
- Intel C++ Compiler
- Digital Mars C++ Compiler
- LLVM
- Embarcadero C++Builder
- Borland C++ Compiler
- Tiny C++ Compiler (TCC)
If you’re looking for excellent C++ compilers for your next project, this article provides a comprehensive list of the best C++ compilers for Windows, with unique features and benefits for developers. Read on!
Table of Contents
10 Best C++ Compilers for Windows
The best C++ Compilers for Windows are listed below.
1. Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler
The Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler is one of the most popular compilers for Windows. It forms a part of the Microsoft Visual Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and a wide usage by professional developers. The compiler is popular for its speed and efficiency, producing high-quality code optimized for the Windows platform. In addition, it supports the latest C++ standards and features.
2. GCC
GCC is a free and open-source compiler that is available for Windows as well as other operating systems. It is a powerful and flexible compiler that supports many languages, including C++, C, and Fortran. Building high-performance applications frequently makes use of GCC, because of its reputation for its performance. It is also highly customizable, making it an excellent choice for developers needing a compiler tailored to their needs.
3. Clang
Clang is another popular open-source compiler that developers widely use. High performance and support for the latest C++ standards are two of its best qualities. In addition, it is highly modular, which means that developers can easily add new features or extensions to the compiler. Clang is also popular for its excellent error messages, which can help developers quickly identify and fix bugs in their code.
4. Intel C++ Compiler
The Intel C++ Compiler is a commercial compiler for high-performance computing. It has an optimization for Intel processors and is popular for its excellent performance and support for advanced optimization techniques. In addition, it supports the latest C++ standards and features. It is highly compatible with other compilers, making it an excellent choice for developers with various tools and libraries.
5. Digital Mars C++ Compiler
The Digital Mars C++ Compiler is a free compiler popular for its fast compilation speed and low memory requirements. It supports the latest C++ standards and features and is highly compatible with other compilers. In addition, it comes with a range of useful tools and libraries, including a debugger and a profiler.
6. LLVM
It includes a C++ compiler, Clang, and other tools and libraries. LLVM is highly customizable and can be used to build compilers and other development tools for various languages and platforms. It is known for its excellent performance and support for advanced optimization techniques.
7. Embarcadero C++Builder
Embarcadero C++Builder is a commercial compiler designed for building high-performance applications for Windows. It comes with various useful tools and libraries, including a debugger, a profiler, and a user interface designer. In addition, it supports the latest C++ standards and features and is highly compatible with other compilers.
8. Borland C++ Compiler
The Borland C++ Compiler is a free compiler known for its fast compilation speed and low memory requirements. It supports the latest C++ standards and features and is highly compatible with other compilers. In addition, it comes with a range of useful tools and libraries, including a debugger and a profiler.
9. Tiny C++ Compiler
Tiny C++ Compiler (TCC) is a small and fast C++ compiler that can compile C and C++ code directly in memory without generating intermediate files. It is designed for embedded systems, low-end machines, and educational purposes. TCC can produce executable files for multiple platforms, including x86, x86-64, ARM, and PowerPC. The compiler has a release under the GNU Lesser General Public License, allowing its use in open-source and proprietary projects.
10. MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows)
MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows) is a free and open-source software development environment for Windows that allows developers to build native Windows applications using the GNU toolchain. It includes a GCC compiler suite, libraries, and tools that users can used to develop programs in various languages, including C, C++, and Fortran.
FAQs
What C++ compiler does Windows use?
To build and debug your code in the IDE, use MSBuild with the Microsoft Visual C++ compiler or a third-party toolset like CMake with Clang or MinGW.
Why is the CPP compiler so slow?
Each compilation unit requires loading and compiling hundreds or even thousands of headers because the preprocessor assures that the outcome of compiling a header may differ between compilation units. Each of them must normally be recompiled for each compilation unit.
C++ compiler is there in what language?
Bjarne Stroustrup designed C++ to expand the C programming language, or 'C with Classes.'
What software is require to run the C++ program?
Visual Studio Code is Microsoft's free, open-source, and most powerful code editor. Windows, Mac, and Linux all support it. Microsoft C/C++ is a C++ extension available from Microsoft. Visual Studio Code has the best C++ compiler and can manage numerous versions of the same product.
Which language is quicker than CPP?
C# is substantially quicker than C++; with C#, I can develop an XML parser and data processor in a fraction of the time it takes me in C++. Did you mean execution speed? Even if you take the time from the first line of code written to the end of the first execution of the code, C# is probably quicker than C++.
Where is the CPP compiler?
The Microsoft C/C++ compiler is part of the Windows SDK and comes standard with your Visual Studio installation. The compiler is at C: Program Files (x86)Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0VCbin. The compiler's name is cl.exe.
Is C++ utilized in computer operating systems?
Programming operating systems is one of C++'s most well-known applications. C++ is used to develop well-known systems such as Microsoft and Linux because it is a robust and quick coding language that is excellent for constructing an operating system from the ground up.
What version of C++ is being used?
The C++ programming language was first standardized as ISO/IEC 14882:1998, and the C++03, C++11, C++14, and C++17 standards have since updated it. With additional features and an expanded standard library, the current C++20 standard supersedes them.
Is CPP considered a high-level language?
C++ is an 'intermediate-level' language, which means it supports both 'high-level' programming (i.e., in the abstract) and 'low-level' hardware programming.
What causes CPP to be so quick?
Performance in C++. A C++ program, on the other hand, is compiled straight into machine code with no need for an intermediary translation at runtime. This is one of the reasons why C++ applications run quicker than Java ones.
Conclusion
The C++ programming language is a powerful tool for building robust and efficient software applications on Windows. Choosing a suitable C++ compiler is critical to the success of any development project, as it can significantly impact code performance, portability, and maintenance.
From the X best C++ compilers for Windows we’ve explored in this blog, each has unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different projects and requirements.
No matter which compiler you choose, staying up-to-date with the latest C++ standards and best practices to write clean, efficient, and reliable code is essential. With a suitable compiler and coding practices, you can unleash the full potential of C++ and build excellent applications that make a difference in the world.
