Anjuta is a GNOME IDE for C and C++ on Linux, and most teams move to an editor with a larger extension ecosystem and active development. Visual Studio Code is the most popular swap, because it is free, runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, and has strong C++ extensions. Eclipse CDT, Code::Blocks, NetBeans, and KDevelop are free options that cover the same C and C++ workflow without a licence fee.
We compared 7 options for anjuta alternatives. Each profile below lists the price, free plan, pros and cons as published by the company.
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Anjuta alternatives: comparison table
Swipe the table sideways on a phone to see every column.
| # | Name | Best for | Starting price | Free plan / trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visual Studio Code | everyday C++ editing on any platform | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 2 | Eclipse CDT | large C++ projects on Linux | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 3 | JetBrains CLion | refactoring and CMake projects | quote only | Free trial (30 days) | Visit |
| 4 | Code::Blocks | lightweight C++ IDE | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 5 | Qt Creator | Qt and QML applications | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 6 | Apache NetBeans | C++ with Java and PHP in one IDE | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 7 | KDevelop | KDE based C++ development | $0 | Yes | Visit |
The 7 best anjuta alternatives, in detail
Visual Studio Code
Best for: everyday C++ editing on any platform
Visual Studio Code is the most common replacement for Anjuta, and the reason is simple: it is free, it runs everywhere, and the C++ extension from Microsoft adds IntelliSense, debugging, and build task support. You can open a CMake project, configure a compiler, and start debugging in minutes. The editor is light, the terminal is built in, and the extension marketplace covers formatters, linters, and test runners.
- Remote development over SSH and containers is also built in, which suits teams that build on a Linux server.
- The trade off is that Visual Studio Code is an editor, not a full IDE out of the box.
- You need to install and configure extensions for the C++ workflow, and the setup can vary between projects.
- That is a small price for most developers, since the configuration is stored in the project and shared through version control.
Pros
- free and runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
- large extension marketplace for C++ tools
Cons
- C++ debugging and IntelliSense need extensions and setup
Eclipse CDT
Best for: large C++ projects on Linux
Eclipse CDT is the C and C++ Development Tooling package for the Eclipse platform, and it is one of the closest matches to Anjuta in scope. It includes a code editor with syntax highlighting and code completion, a visual debugger, project wizards, and support for Make, CMake, and Autotools builds. The platform is open source and free, and it runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Large projects with many files and complex build steps are where Eclipse CDT earns its keep.
- The main drawback is weight.
- Eclipse starts more slowly than Visual Studio Code, and the interface carries years of accumulated menus and views.
- New developers often find it harder to learn, and the default settings need tuning for a smooth experience.
Pros
- free and open source with a mature C++ toolset
- strong project and build management
Cons
- the interface is heavier and slower to start than a modern editor
JetBrains CLion
Best for: refactoring and CMake projects
CLion is the commercial IDE from JetBrains for C and C++, and it is the most capable tool in this list for refactoring and code analysis. It understands CMake projects natively, offers smart completion, and can rename, extract, and move code safely across a project. The debugger integrates with GDB and LLDB, and the built in profiler and test runner cover the daily workflow.
- CLion also supports embedded development and remote toolchains, which suits teams that cross compile.
- The cost is the main consideration.
- CLion is sold on a subscription, and the price depends on whether you buy an individual or organisation licence.
- The 30 day trial is long enough to test it on a real project, and you should use it that way, since the value shows up in refactoring and navigation r
Pros
- smart refactoring, code analysis, and CMake support built in
- strong debugger
Cons
- pricing is subscription based and the IDE is heavier than a text editor
Code::Blocks
Best for: lightweight C++ IDE
Code::Blocks is a free, open source IDE for C, C++, and Fortran that stays close to the simple workflow Anjuta users know. It opens fast, it works with GCC, Clang, and MinGW out of the box, and it includes a debugger, code completion, and project templates. The setup is minimal: install it, point it at your compiler, and start coding.
- That simplicity makes it a good pick for students, small projects, and developers who want an IDE without a long configuration step.
- The trade off is polish and pace.
- The interface looks dated next to Visual Studio Code or CLion, and new features arrive slowly.
- Some modern workflows, such as container based development and advanced refactoring, are missing or need plugins.
Pros
- free, fast, and easy to install
- works with GCC, Clang, and MinGW
Cons
- the interface looks dated and plugin development has slowed
Qt Creator
Best for: Qt and QML applications
Qt Creator is the official IDE for Qt development, and it is the best pick if your C++ work involves Qt applications. It includes Qt Designer for building interfaces, QML support for modern UIs, and tight integration with the Qt build system. The open source edition is free and covers the core workflow, while the commercial edition adds support and access to some modules.
- Qt Creator also handles CMake and Qbs projects, and its debugger and profiler are solid.
- The main limit is scope.
- Qt Creator is at its best inside the Qt ecosystem, and developers who do not use Qt will find less reason to choose it over Visual Studio Code or CLio
- The commercial licence terms are also worth reading if you ship a closed source product.
Pros
- built in Qt Designer and QML support
- free open source edition available
Cons
- the commercial licence is needed for some Qt modules and support
Apache NetBeans
Best for: C++ with Java and PHP in one IDE
Apache NetBeans is a free, open source IDE that supports C and C++ alongside Java, PHP, HTML, and JavaScript. That breadth suits developers who switch between languages in the same week. The C++ support includes code completion, refactoring, debugging with GDB, and project templates for Make and CMake.
- NetBeans runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, and the plugin system adds support for version control and build tools.
- The C++ tooling is not as deep as CLion or Eclipse CDT, and the interface is heavier than a modern editor.
- NetBeans is also less widely used for C++ than it once was, so community examples for C++ are thinner.
- If you already use NetBeans for Java or PHP and want one IDE for everything, adding C++ is easy.
Pros
- free and open source
- C++ support alongside Java, PHP, and web languages
Cons
- C++ features are less deep than in a dedicated C++ IDE
KDevelop
Best for: KDE based C++ development
KDevelop is a free, open source IDE from the KDE project, and it is the closest spiritual match to Anjuta in this list. It offers semantic code navigation, code completion, refactoring, and debugging for C and C++, with support for CMake and other build systems. KDevelop integrates well with KDE tools and the Linux desktop, and it stays light compared with Eclipse.
- The interface is clean, and the setup for a CMake project is quick.
- The drawback is community size.
- KDevelop has fewer users than Visual Studio Code or Eclipse, so extensions, tutorials, and troubleshooting help are thinner.
- It is also Linux focused, which suits Anjuta users but limits teams that work across platforms.
Pros
- free and open source with strong C++ code navigation
- integrates with KDE tools
Cons
- the project is smaller than the Visual Studio Code or Eclipse communities
How we chose
We compared product documentation, feature lists, and pricing pages for each tool, and we checked the starting price on the vendor site before including it. Tools with unpublished pricing are listed as quote only rather than given an estimated figure. We did not run hands on tests or install the tools, and we did not use review scores or star ratings to rank them. The list favors free and open source options that run on Linux, since Anjuta is a Linux IDE, and it covers the main C++ workflows from simple editing to large project management.
Which tool fits your project
| Project type | Best pick | Cost | | Small C++ project on Linux | Visual Studio Code or Code::Blocks | $0 | | Large C++ codebase | Eclipse CDT or CLion | $0 or subscription | | Qt application | Qt Creator | $0 open source edition | | Mixed language work | Apache NetBeans | $0 | | KDE desktop development | KDevelop | $0 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anjuta still maintained?
Anjuta is a GNOME IDE for C and C++ on Linux, and its development has slowed compared with modern editors. Many Linux developers have moved to Visual Studio Code, Eclipse CDT, or CLion, which receive more frequent updates and have larger communities. Anjuta still works for simple projects, but new projects usually start with one of the tools in this list.
What is the best free Anjuta alternative?
Visual Studio Code is the best free alternative for most developers, because it is free, runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, and has strong C++ extensions. Eclipse CDT is the best free alternative if you want a full IDE with project management built in. Code::Blocks is the best free alternative if you want the lightest install. Try Visual Studio Code first, then Eclipse CDT if you need more project tooling.
Does Visual Studio Code work for C++?
Yes, Visual Studio Code works well for C++ once you install the Microsoft C++ extension. The extension adds IntelliSense, debugging, and build task support, and it works with GCC, Clang, and MSVC. You can open a CMake project and configure it through the CMake Tools extension. The setup takes a few minutes, and the configuration lives in the project folder.
Which IDE is best for Qt development?
Qt Creator is the best IDE for Qt development, because it includes Qt Designer, QML support, and tight integration with the Qt build system. Visual Studio Code and CLion also support Qt projects through extensions, but they do not match the built in designer and project templates. The open source edition of Qt Creator is free, so you can start without a licence.
Can I use CLion for free?
CLion offers a 30 day free trial, and JetBrains provides free licences for students, teachers, and open source projects. The standard licence is a subscription, and the price depends on whether you buy an individual or organisation licence. If you qualify for a free licence, apply through the JetBrains site. Otherwise, use the trial on a real project to decide whether the refactoring tools justify the cost.
Sources
- https://code.visualstudio.com/
- https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/supporting/faq
- https://eclipse.dev/cdt/
- https://www.jetbrains.com/clion/
- https://www.jetbrains.com/clion/buy/
- https://www.codeblocks.org/
- https://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/
- https://www.qt.io/product/development-tools
- https://www.qt.io/pricing
- https://netbeans.apache.org/
- https://netbeans.apache.org/download/
- https://www.kdevelop.org/
Prices and features were read on each company’s own website in November 2026. They change often, so confirm the current offer on the official site before you sign up or buy.