C++Builder
C++Builder: A feature-rich C++ IDE for Windows teams that need visual design and database tooling. Ranked #18 of 65 in Integrated Development Environments by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for windows C++ teams needing visual designers.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- Pricing30-day trial
- Best forWindows C++ teams needing visual designers
- Free planNo
- Supported operating systemsWindows
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- C++23 support with a Clang-enhanced compiler
- Visual VCL and FireMonkey UI designers
- MSBuild, CMake, Ninja, Git, and database connectivity
Where it doesn't
- Community Edition has limited-commercial-use restrictions
- The product is primarily a Windows IDE
- Edition pricing is not presented as usable numeric prices
Our verdict on C++Builder
C++Builder is Embarcadero’s integrated development environment for modern C++. It combines a Clang-enhanced compiler with C++23 support, visual VCL and FireMonkey UI designers, integrated debugging, native database connectivity through FireDAC, HTTP and REST client libraries, and version-control integration. It is aimed at individual developers, small teams, enterprise development teams, and organizations building desktop, client/server, mobile, and connected applications. Windows-focused teams needing visual application design are the clearest fit.
Its edition structure covers several development contexts. Community Edition is intended for individual developers, startups, students, and nonprofits building Windows applications from a C++ codebase, but commercial use is limited and eligibility restrictions apply. Pro Term License provides an annual license for individual developers or small teams building desktop apps. Professional uses a perpetual license for individual developers and small teams. Enterprise adds client/server and multi-tier application support, along with remote and enterprise database connectivity. Architect uses a perpetual license and adds database, cloud, and web tooling for database, cloud, and web-enabled applications. A 30-day free trial is available, while the published edition structure does not present usable numeric prices.
C++Builder’s technical breadth suits teams that want more than a code editor and compiler. It supports MSBuild, CMake, and Ninja, integrates with Git and Subversion, and connects with Boost, Eigen, SQLite, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB through its listed tooling. Remote deployment and debugging extend its reach to additional supported targets, while Windows remains the primary development environment. Choose C++Builder when visual UI design, native database access, and multiple build systems belong in one C++ workflow. Teams seeking an unrestricted free plan or a development environment centered outside Windows should consider alternatives.
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C++Builder pricing
All 5 C++Builder plans and prices →
C++Builder fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported operating systems | Windows |
| Integrated debugger | Yes |
| Integrated testing tools | Not verified |
| Build tools | Yes |
| Project management | Not verified |
| Dev container support | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Phone, Tickets, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 14 integrations: Git, Subversion, CMake, Ninja, MSBuild, FireDAC … |
| Pricing | 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | embarcadero.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
C++Builder integrations
C++Builder lists 14 integrations on its own site.
- Git
- Subversion
- CMake
- Ninja
- MSBuild
- FireDAC
- Boost
- Eigen
- SQLite
- MySQL
- SQL Server
- Oracle
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
Alternatives to C++Builder
- IntelliJ IDEAA full-featured, cross-platform IDE for Java and Kotlin teams.9.4
- Visual StudioA full-featured Windows IDE for .NET and C++ teams with broad tooling.9.3
- PyCharmA full-featured Python IDE with strong testing, debugging, data, and remote workflows.9.2
See all C++Builder alternatives →
Also Ranked In
C++Builder is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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