What do you think is the best cross platform ide or the one that has the biggest potential in the future? Actually right now, the question is which is the right one for me?

I have a project in c++ with some java frontend sources. I want support for multiple compilers, integrated debugging and preferabbly profiling as well. I also want to be able to either directly read or import Visual C++ (dsp) projects. I have narrowed down my choices to the following which I have all tried except #3 and #4.

BTW, when I mention other compiler, I specifically refer to Intel C++ and the free Microsoft C++ toolkit compiler. The alternative debugger I'm referring to is the one that comes with Microsoft's debugging tools (free).


1. Visual C++ 6. No introduction needed. This is what I have used all along. Problems:

i. Costs $$$


2. Eclipse. Yes, I know anyone worth their knowledge in Unix/C won't like Java (perfect language for the relative idiots that today's institutions are turning out, no offense), but Eclipse is cross platform and allows integrated debugging. Problems:

i. Only works with gcc. To use anything else, you have to write your own makefile. (maybe new plugins might change that).

ii. Only works with gdb. (again plugins might help).


3. Good old emacs. I've heard people say emacs is a kitchen sink and more. Does this mean that I can setup configurations to work with any compiler,
debugger combination?

4. KDevelop or Anjuta. My bets are on KDevelop, but it also requires kde which I don't want to install on Windows.

You can try Magic C++ instead. A handy visual remote Unix and Linux C/C++ IDE under windows. You can edit the source codes and debug it handily with this VC++ like IDE :-). It supports CVS and visual HTML format man page online help also. Server component source code is open to offer support for various UNIX/Linux platform requests.

http://www.magicunix.com

THANK YOU! Someone finally responded to my dillema.

you may want to also look at XPower++ which can cross compile for Win, Lin, and Mac,
and runs also on Win, Lin, and Mac.

Cheers