Which IDE is Best for C/C Students?

When delving into the world of C and C programming, choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is crucial. This article explores the merits of various IDEs, focusing on the experiences of students and beginners. From the perspective of a seasoned user, the best choice for a student often steers away from the graphical user interface (GUI) and toward more fundamental, command-line tools and environments.

The Argument for Linux and Command Line Tools

Alois, a programmer with experience going back to the early 2000s, makes a compelling case for the Unix environment, specifically recommending Linux as an initial IDE for new C/C programmers. His experience harks back to his first-year C/C course where the university relied on remote Linux machines for work. Back in his time, the students were far more familiar with graphical environments like Visual Basic and TI Basic than the command-line interface (CLI).

At the time, remote Linux work was a challenge, but it served a crucial educational purpose. Learning how to work in a terminal environment, write makefiles, and directly invoke the compiler, provided a deeper understanding of the programming process. This foundation contrasts sharply with the button-click approach found in some modern IDEs. Students who learn through a more hands-on, command-line method gain a more profound comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that their IDEs hide.

Exposure to Real Programming Tools

For beginners, the experience of interacting directly with the command line offers a valuable education. It builds a stronger understanding of the tools and processes that are at the heart of programming. This type of exposure is invaluable—it's not just about learning to compile and run a program, but understanding how the entire system works.

The CLI is like a universal language of programming. Commands and paths are used universally, making it easier to transition from one operating system to another. The lifecycle of a software developer often involves working with all sorts of systems, and a good understanding of the CLI is a stepping stone to this flexibility. Additionally, familiarity with your operating system goes beyond just writing desktop software. It's a benefit that spans across various development tasks and environments.

Modern IDEs vs. Traditional CLI Tools

While there are now sophisticated IDEs like Visual Studio and Code::Blocks that strive to make coding more accessible and efficient, they can sometimes hide too much of how things work. For example, Visual Studio's IntelliSense and autocompletion features are undoubtedly useful, but they are not strictly necessary to become proficient in C/C . In fact, mastering basic CLI skills can often lead to a deeper understanding of the language's nuances.

Before enrolling in that C/C course, Alois admits to being relatively unfamiliar with the CLI world. However, the class push toward Linux was transformative. It opened him up to tools like Ubuntu Linux, Vim, and terminal multiplexers like tmux or screen. Since then, he has integrated these tools into his daily development workflow, using them for everything from embedded development to system administration tasks. Similarly, the introduction of Bash on Windows in Windows 10, combined with tmux and vim, has enabled him to replicate the experience of having multiple IDEs without actually running multiple IDEs.

Conclusion

While modern IDEs like Visual Studio undoubtedly offer a polished and user-friendly experience, they may not always be the best starting point for new C/C programmers. The exposure to more fundamental tools like Linux, the command line, and CLI-integrated development environments can be more beneficial. This approach fosters a greater understanding of the programming process and equips students with tools that are useful across a range of contexts, from command-line scripting to embedded systems development.