Code::Blocks is a free and open source cross platform IDE. Its very simple and is best suited for beginners. Currently code blocks is being developed for Windows, Linux and Mac OSX. If you are a windows 7 user, code blocks is the best way to run your c/c++ programs! Turbo C (using the DOSBOX) and Dev C++ are some of the alternatives, but Code blocks beats both of them with its good looking interface and simplicity.

Some of the other features of Code Blocks are

• It can be extended using a plug-in i.e any kind of functionality can be added just by installing/coding a plug-in. For mode info on plug-in's click here
• Although Code Blocks is designed for C++ language, there is some support for compilers of other languages also. GCC (MingW / GNU GCC), MSVC++, Digital Mars. Borland C++ 5.5, Open Watcom and more.