Updated: Why you shouldn't use Dev-C++

Honestly the only reason Dev-C++ is even brought up is because there are many old tutorials out there that recommend Dev-C++, in practice pretty much all programmers that were using Dev-C++ have switched to Code::Blocks by this point (especially since on Windows it uses MinGW, which is the same toolchain Dev-C++ was using).

I hope for the love of everything holy in this world, people never recommend Dev-C++ (Hasn't been updated in over 6 years!!!). I remember using it a long time ago, and even then I didn't like it. With Visual Studio Express, there is no reason to even suggest Dev-C++. I would sooner use Code:Blocks!

Great article jbadams!

Very nice article. The only time when I've used Dev-C++ was in college, when they learned people C/C++ programming (is was a pain, as there were better solutions already available, but academic teaching programs don't change too often... anyway that was eons ago ).

As for the alternatives Code::Blocks' nice (been using it for some time on Linux), but I don't know about Visual Studio Express. I've heard some rumors that the licensing is about to change for the new versions, so that you can only use it freely for Metro programming (still I hope these really are just rumors).

But you will still have up to VS 2010, which is great

There used to be a huge number of people using Dev C++, but I haven't seen it mentioned on GameDev for a few years now. Is it really still much of a problem?
You should add QtCreator to the list of IDE alternatives - it's very mature, and very capable.

@sik_the_hedgehog: When I started using Dev C++ it was because it came on the CD with the programming book I got (C++ for Dummies).

I've heard some rumors that the licensing is about to change for the new versions, so that you can only use it freely for Metro programming (still I hope these really are just rumors).

Just to squish this rumor here; that isn't the case.
At one point they were talking about doing a 'Metro only' version but the community feedback made them change their mind and VS2012 will have 'metro' and 'classic desktop' editions now.

There used to be a huge number of people using Dev C++, but I haven't seen it mentioned on GameDev for a few years now. Is it really still much of a problem?

There's a lot less usage than there used to be, and misguided recommendations to use it are fortunately still few and far between -- I almost didn't bother moving and updating the article. Unfortunately however, there are still plenty of beginners finding it recommended by older tutorials, and some of them recommend it to others.

Good to see the article alive and well. I'll second Servant's suggestion to add QtCreator to the alternatives now. It really has developed into an IDE that can play in the big boys' sandpit now.

I'll take a look at QtCreator and consider adding it -- I'm not comfortable blindly recommending something I can easily try out, but I'm willing to consider additional suggestions -- I would also prefer to avoid the article ending up with an attempt at some exhaustive list of options though; the main point is to keep people away from Dev-C++.

//EDIT: I've added a short entry for QtCreator, as from a brief poke around and everything I've heard it seems to be a pretty solid option.