KDevelop

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Score7.1

Rank#4 of 62

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

KDevelop is a free, open-source integrated development environment for Linux, macOS and Windows. Its built-in parser backends support C, C++ and JavaScript/QML, while Python and PHP support is available through optional plugins. For supported languages, it provides semantic syntax highlighting, navigation and code completion. Navigation tools include symbol-use searches, jumps to declarations or definitions, Quick Open, and project, class and function browsers. KDevelop supports CMake and QMake, partial custom Makefile support, and tools such as make and ninja. Graphical debugging is available for C/C++ and Python; PHP debugging requires an extra plugin. The IDE also includes unit test integration, formatting tools and a Problems view. Version-control integrations include Git, Bazaar, Subversion, CVS and Perforce, with Mercurial as an optional plugin. Users can arrange views, configure color schemes and set shortcuts. Windows nightly builds may be unstable or incomplete, and independently developed Chocolatey packages may not be current.

Who it is for

KDevelop suits developers seeking a free IDE with support for C, C++, or JavaScript/QML, and optional Python or PHP plugins. Its build, navigation and debugging tools may also suit people working with the listed build systems and version controls.

What is good

Free and open source.
Supports CMake and QMake.
Graphical debugging for C/C++ and Python.
Includes unit test integration.
Git and several other version-control integrations are listed.

What to know first

Windows nightly builds may be unstable or incomplete.
Chocolatey packages may not be current.
PHP debugging requires an extra plugin.
Python and PHP use optional plugins.

Verdict

KDevelop offers a broad set of coding, build, navigation and debugging tools at no cost. Windows users should note the nightly build and Chocolatey package caveats.

KDevelop plans and pricing

All plans

KDevelop Free Free IDE; no paid tiers stated kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on integrated development environments

Free plan: Yeskdevelop.org

Facts

Product: KDevelop is a free and open source integrated development environment for several programming languages.apps.kde.org · 3 Oct 2026
Languages: Its built-in parser backends support C, C++ and JavaScript/QML, with optional plugins for Python and PHP.apps.kde.org · 3 Oct 2026
Code tools: Supported languages include semantic syntax highlighting, code navigation and completion.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Build systems: KDevelop supports CMake, QMake, partially supports custom Makefiles, and can invoke tools such as make and ninja.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Version control: GUI integrations are listed for Git, Bazaar, Subversion, CVS and Perforce, with Mercurial available as an optional plugin.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Documentation: The IDE integrates QtHelp documentation files, Man pages and CMake help pages.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Other features: The feature list includes unit test integration, graphical debugging for C/C++ and Python, and code formatting support.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Extensibility: KDevelop uses a plugin architecture, and the project site names Clang-Tidy, Heaptrack and Perforce support as examples of extensions.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Downloads: The download page offers Linux distribution packages and Snap, a Windows nightly build and Chocolatey package, and a macOS release installer.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Release limitation: The site says Windows nightly builds are compiled from the master branch and may be unstable or contain bugs or incomplete features.kdevelop.org · 3 Oct 2026
Support: KDE support resources include a discussion forum and Matrix rooms, and community support is provided without warranty by volunteers.kde.org · 3 Oct 2026
Security: KDE directs users who find a security issue in KDE software to report it and says its security advisories are listed there.kde.org · 3 Oct 2026
Privacy: KDE says its hosted Matomo analytics immediately anonymizes IP records and automatically removes detailed records after 30 days.kde.org · 3 Oct 2026
Code intelligence: For fully supported languages, KDevelop provides semantic syntax highlighting, code navigation, and completion.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026
Code navigation: Navigation features include finding symbol uses, jumping to declarations or definitions, Quick Open, and project, class, and function browsers.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026
Debugging: The IDE provides graphical debugger support for C/C++ and Python, with PHP support through an extra plugin.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026
Customization: Users can arrange split views and tool views, configure color schemes, and assign shortcuts to almost every IDE action.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026
Other tools: KDevelop includes unit test integration, code formatter support, a filterable Problems view, and Vim-compatible input mode.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026
Plugins: The project describes KDevelop as extensible, with plugins such as Clang-Tidy, Heaptrack, and Perforce support.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026
Release caveat: The Windows nightly build may be unstable and contain bugs or incomplete features, and the Chocolatey packages are developed independently from KDE and may not be up to date.kdevelop.org · 4 Oct 2026