Pelles C

Pelles C

Pelles C is a free C and C++ compiler for Windows. It includes an IDE, debugger, and other tools for developing C/C++ applications. Pelles C generates fast executables and supports Windows API well.
Pelles C image
c c compiler ide windows

Pelles C: Free C/C++ Compiler for Windows

A free, feature-rich IDE, debugger, and toolset for developing fast C/C++ applications on Windows API.

What is Pelles C?

Pelles C is a complete development kit for C and C++ programming on Windows platforms. It includes the Pelles C compiler, linker, resource compiler, debugger, profiler and other utilities. Key features:

  • Free and open source software with very permissive licensing terms
  • IDE with code completion, templates, etc to boost productivity
  • Fast executable code generation rivaling commercial compilers
  • Full support for Windows API, SSE2 and Unicode
  • Can create GUI, console, DLL, and device driver applications
  • Seamless integration with Visual Studio
  • Compatible with Microsoft C runtime library

Pelles C is suitable for learning C/C++, developing desktop utilities, games, device drivers and more. While not as full-featured as Visual Studio, it provides a lightweight yet capable alternative for coding on Windows without expensive licenses or hardware requirements.

Pelles C Features

Features

  1. IDE with code editor, project management, debugger
  2. Supports C and C++ languages
  3. Generates fast native code for Windows
  4. Includes linker, resource compiler, profiler
  5. Supports Windows API and COM
  6. Can create GUI, console, DLL, and static library projects
  7. Integration with Visual Studio

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Easy to use IDE for beginners

Good C/C++ standards conformance

Fast compile times

Good Windows API support

Cons

Windows only

Limited C++11/14 support

Not as full-featured as Visual Studio

Smaller user community than major compilers


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