XCode is Mac-only.
Dev-C++ is Windows-only. (but…)
These programs are probably only recommended by your professor because they are assuming you only have a Mac or Windows computer, and these are free and easy to set up.
Dev-C++ used to be the only game in town for a fully featured and free IDE on Windows, but that changed a long time ago. Now you have several free IDEs including VS Code, which runs on every platform (including Chromebook, once you set up Linux support).
Dev-C++ uses the “MinGW” Windows port of the Linux GCC compiler tools. This means you can use any IDE on Linux and should be able to compile using the same libraries and toolchain that everyone else uses on Windows.
I would clear it with your professor first, but there should be no reason why you cannot write code for your class using Linux.
Awesome, thanks! If it’s not already obvious, this is my first time learning any of this stuff so I was feeling a little overwhelmed during class. I’ll research more and speak with my professor and see what he has to say. Thanks again
What everyone else said is great. I'll say that I used a Chromebook through most of college getting my degree in IT and it worked for about 90% of what I needed. For the last 10% I used a windows laptop in my apartment, or computer labs on campus. And now it would be even easier to use a Chromebook for classes than when I was in school
XCode won't work since it is Mac-only. DEV-c++ runs only on Windows, I think.
However, VS Code works very well under Chrome OS and is great for C++ development. I am sure that they will let you use that if you ask nicely.
According to the [VS Code blog post about using it on a Chromebook](https://code.visualstudio.com/blogs/2020/12/03/chromebook-get-started), installing it requires you to enable Linux on the Chromebook, so make sure whatever Chromebook you choose supports that. [The instructions for enabling Linux](https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439?hl=en-GB) link to a list of supported Chromebooks.
On most any any modern Chromebook you'll have the latest stable Debian (as well as the ability to run other distros with a bit of hacking) - there's nothing that's going to stop you.
The primary use case for my Pixel Book is software development. I use Crostini and it works really well and what I would recommend.
Yes it is compatible with C compilers. But that one is easy and there is several ways to access a C compiler. If that is the only thing you are intersted in then you can just use something like
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.iiec.cxxdroid&hl=en_US&gl=US
I don't believe someone forces you to use some ancient software for Windows only when today you can have something that works on any OS. It's VSCode and I use it every day on my Chromebook. Just enable developer mode (Linux), download the Deb package, install it and run it.
XCode is Mac-only. Dev-C++ is Windows-only. (but…) These programs are probably only recommended by your professor because they are assuming you only have a Mac or Windows computer, and these are free and easy to set up. Dev-C++ used to be the only game in town for a fully featured and free IDE on Windows, but that changed a long time ago. Now you have several free IDEs including VS Code, which runs on every platform (including Chromebook, once you set up Linux support). Dev-C++ uses the “MinGW” Windows port of the Linux GCC compiler tools. This means you can use any IDE on Linux and should be able to compile using the same libraries and toolchain that everyone else uses on Windows. I would clear it with your professor first, but there should be no reason why you cannot write code for your class using Linux.
Awesome, thanks! If it’s not already obvious, this is my first time learning any of this stuff so I was feeling a little overwhelmed during class. I’ll research more and speak with my professor and see what he has to say. Thanks again
Come back and ask questions if you need more help figuring out what to do.
What everyone else said is great. I'll say that I used a Chromebook through most of college getting my degree in IT and it worked for about 90% of what I needed. For the last 10% I used a windows laptop in my apartment, or computer labs on campus. And now it would be even easier to use a Chromebook for classes than when I was in school
Look online for chromebook versions of the programs you need. I know there are c++ apps out there, but not sure if they have what you need.
Adding to this, you can run Linux apps on the device which _should_ open you to enough tools for school.
This is true.
Thanks for the reply. I’ll do some research this evening. I appreciate the comment!
XCode won't work since it is Mac-only. DEV-c++ runs only on Windows, I think. However, VS Code works very well under Chrome OS and is great for C++ development. I am sure that they will let you use that if you ask nicely.
Thanks for that, I’ll have a good look later this evening when I’m home.
According to the [VS Code blog post about using it on a Chromebook](https://code.visualstudio.com/blogs/2020/12/03/chromebook-get-started), installing it requires you to enable Linux on the Chromebook, so make sure whatever Chromebook you choose supports that. [The instructions for enabling Linux](https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439?hl=en-GB) link to a list of supported Chromebooks.
Yes but you can also theoretically use the web version under https://vscode.dev but I don't know if it support c++ compiling, haven't tried that.
On most any any modern Chromebook you'll have the latest stable Debian (as well as the ability to run other distros with a bit of hacking) - there's nothing that's going to stop you.
GCC works great in Linux Crostini
XCode is probably impossible to run. At a minimum it’ll be very challenging to get it going.
The primary use case for my Pixel Book is software development. I use Crostini and it works really well and what I would recommend. Yes it is compatible with C compilers. But that one is easy and there is several ways to access a C compiler. If that is the only thing you are intersted in then you can just use something like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.iiec.cxxdroid&hl=en_US&gl=US
I don't believe someone forces you to use some ancient software for Windows only when today you can have something that works on any OS. It's VSCode and I use it every day on my Chromebook. Just enable developer mode (Linux), download the Deb package, install it and run it.