Member Avatar for johnray31

hello guys,

i have latest version of dev c++ compiler ..is there any best compiler that is specifically made for c language i need it badly and required ur comment plz give me if anybody knows .....

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Short answer: there is no single “best” C compiler — pick the toolchain that matches the goal (learning, portable apps, high-performance builds, or embedded targets). This thread already contains a range of opinions (for example emphasized debugger/IDE quality, noted older Turbo C usage, and raised editor/formatting complaints). The guidance below clarifies how to choose and how to set up a practical workflow for modern C development.

Important selection criteria

  • Standards support: prefer compilers that implement recent C standards (C99/C11/C17/C23) if modern language features or libraries are needed.
  • Diagnostics and warnings: good warning messages and the ability to treat warnings as errors speed learning and catch bugs early.
  • Debugging and sanitizers: a toolchain that integrates a debugger and runtime sanitizers (address/undefined behaviour) makes troubleshooting far easier.
  • Platform/target: some toolchains target desktop/server, others are for embedded cross-compilation; pick one aligned with the target CPU/OS.
  • Ecosystem: build systems (Make/CMake), static analyzers, formatters, and package availability matter for day-to-day productivity.

Practical, actionable tips

  • Use a modern compiler driver and enable strict warnings and debug symbols. Example compile lines:

    gcc  -std=c11 -Wall -Wextra -O2 -g  source.c -o prog
clang -std=c11 -Wall -Wextra -O2 -g  source.c -o prog
cl /W4 /Zi /O2 source.c

  • Enable sanitizers when hunting runtime errors: compile with -fsanitize=address,undefined -g (where supported) and run tests under those builds.

  • Add a formatter/linter to the editor (for example an automatic clang-format step) to avoid the indentation/format problems complained about.

  • Use a simple out-of-source build with CMake or Make and keep debug/release profiles separate.

Final notes

  • Treat historical tools (Turbo-era compilers) as legacy: useful for nostalgia or constrained environments but not for modern, portable code.
  • Focus on consistent toolchain choices and automated checks (warnings-as-errors, sanitizers, CI builds) — this gives better results than debating a single “best” compiler.

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

what's wrong with the Dev-C++ compiler? It compiles both C and C++ ok. If you want it to compile C only, then make the filename extension *.c instead of *.cpp

Myself, I like Microsoft compilers better because they have better debugging tools. You can still get VC++ 2005 Express for free.

Member Avatar for Member #46692

Turbo C

It's the best, in my opinion, if ur restricting yourself to just C and if you have a old computer like me.
And it's small to download. Problems solved.

Member Avatar for msaqib

Well I think TurboC is the best compiler I ever used. during all my educational years in university I used to program in TC compiler. It alos provides good debugging.

Ther have been a joke related to Microsoft Technologies in our university. Sorry if any one hurt by that, but its just a joke
Most of the MS Software says

"There has been an error while executing the file. Now you find it your self and tell us. :P"

Member Avatar for nvanevski

I am using Borland's C++ BuilderX Personal. Great tool, and also multiplatform. You can use the same IDE in WIndows, Linux, Solaris... Also good if you need cross-compiling. You can register your own preprocessors and compilers... In short-great IDE. Just don't expect any RAD development.

Member Avatar for Member #46692

Turbo C is great for embedded c crap, and great for people who can only afford ancient computers that only support turbo c. However, its only downfall, is when people think they can write good c++ code with it. That's when it becomes stoopid to use.


[tex]QED[/tex]

:cheesy:

Member Avatar for johnray31

thankx fiend for ur comments i just wanna ur feedback so i can decided am going to use dev it ll suite for me

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Turbo C is great for embedded c crap, and great for people who can only afford ancient computers

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Its not even good for that because there are several free good modern compilers, such as Dev-C++ that will let you learn c++ as it should be learned. Turbo C is not even good for embeded programs because it only supports MS-DOS 6.X and earlier operating systems.

Member Avatar for server_crash

I use Dev-C++ which does well with compiling, but I don't like the indentation mechanism of it. It doesn't properly align everything like it should...

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Goto Tools --. Editor Options to change the editor options the way you want them.

Member Avatar for aniseed

I use Dev-C++ which does well with compiling, but I don't like the indentation mechanism of it. It doesn't properly align everything like it should...

You won't be having those problems with vi and gcc. ;)

Member Avatar for server_crash

I thought about dropping to the command line and using JEdit.

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