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npmccallum · Dec 15, 2003, 10:41 AM

Does anyone know of a good C/C++ IDE for Mac 10.x? Basically I want to use it to code non GUI UNIX programs, so the Xcode is kinda not the right thing for me (unless there is a better way to use xcode). I'd like one that is preferably free. Thoughts?

Developer · Dec 15, 2003, 10:46 AM

Why is Xcode not the right thing for you?

The only other IDE is CodeWarrior.

Turias · Dec 15, 2003, 10:47 AM

Xcode should work perfectly for your needs.

npmccallum · Dec 15, 2003, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by Turias:
Xcode should work perfectly for your needs.

How do I setup Xcode to do C/C++ projects? C/C++ Is not an option when you choose new project. When you choose blank project, it creates a bunch of mac specific files that I don't want. And then, I don't want to compile into .app format. How do I set this up?

Developer · Dec 15, 2003, 11:03 AM

Just do New Project->Tool->Standard Tool. Doesn't create no bunch of Mac specific files.

npmccallum · Dec 15, 2003, 11:18 AM

can it generate a Makefile?

Arkham_c · Dec 15, 2003, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by npmccallum:
can it generate a Makefile?

You wouldn't need a Makefile if XCode is managing the build process.

entrox · Dec 15, 2003, 01:18 PM

Xcode this, Xcode that. Just use Emacs and be done with it. There is no need for another editor or IDE when you're empowered by Emacs.

Arkham_c · Dec 15, 2003, 01:47 PM

Originally posted by entrox:
Xcode this, Xcode that. Just use Emacs and be done with it. There is no need for another editor or IDE when you're empowered by Emacs.

Yeah, you don't even need a window manager or an underlying OS. I have friends who use Emacs for compiling debugging, shells, email, web browsing, and other stuff, all within Emacs.

clarkgoble · Dec 15, 2003, 03:40 PM

Actually Eclipse will do C/C++ as well. I've not tried it on a Mac, but I know it will on Linux.

But I've done lots of standard C++ stuff with XCode with no problem. None of the code I write uses a GUI so its not that big a deal. I usually write a Makefile as well, just to ease porting to Solaris and Linux though.

CharlesS · Dec 15, 2003, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
Yeah, you don't even need a window manager or an underlying OS. I have friends who use Emacs for compiling debugging, shells, email, web browsing, and other stuff, all within Emacs.

Huh? How would you not need an OS?

Earth Mk. II · Dec 15, 2003, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by CharlesS:
Huh? How would you not need an OS?

Considering Emacs is an OS... but I wouldn't trust a Vim man on that issue.

You might be able to use an IDE for X11 though, if you don't want to use Xcode.

I don't have any experience with them though.

entrox · Dec 15, 2003, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by CharlesS:
Huh? How would you not need an OS?

It is sometimes jokingly said that Emacs needs no OS, because it already is an OS in itself. Like a previous poster said, there are people who use it for everything.

But honestly: if you are developing Cocoa applications, use Xcode. The strong integration with Interface Builder and other goodies make it the most comfortable choice. If you are developing something else, a UNIX tool for example, use Emacs. It has integration with gdb, gcc, cvs, make etc. etc. (essentially with the whole GNU developer toolchain) and also has the best editor environment (yes, you have auto-completion, spell-checking, syntax highlighting, structured editing commands, rectangular selection and much much more).

The only downside is the steep learning curve, but it is manageable (did you know that the Cocoa text-widgets have optional Emacs keybindings?). Search Google for binaries of the Carbon version or get it from CVS yourself (look here).