Carbide.c++

Efficiently create Symbian and Qt software for the world's most popular smartphone platform

The Carbide.c++ IDE is designed from the ground up for developers creating Symbian C++ and Qt software for Symbian devices. Carbide.c++ is based on the popular Eclipse IDE and the C/C++ development tools from the Eclipse CDT Project.

Combining the power of the Eclipse Framework with tools for all stages of development, Carbide.c++ offers Symbian C++ and Qt developers an efficient, easy-to-use development environment.

What’s the latest news about Carbide.c++?

Carbide.c++ 2.3 is now available. The new features in this version include:

• Support for the Eclipse p2 provisioning tool. p2 replaces the update manager and simplifies the installation and management of Eclipse plug-ins, such as Carbide.c++.
• Support for Qt development with integrated Qt developer tools and the ability to apply Qt code styling in the Carbide.c++ editor.
• Support for Symbian Build System (SBS) v2 (aka Raptor) for SBSv2-enabled developer kits. Carbide.c++ now enables SBSv2 single file compiles also.
• Several performance improvements, such as:
• Significantly faster importing of very large projects.
• More responsive Indexer, achieved through smarter placement of the project root.
• Improved response in the Executable view and when re-opening large workspaces.

In addition, other key features that have not previously been available through download from Forum Nokia include:

• Hover Help – placing the mouse pointer over a recognised Symbian symbol in an editor displays the Symbian API Reference information.
• Carbide.c++ News Reader – the latest news about Carbide.c++ and Symbian, including information on tools updates and screencasts about Carbide.c++ development, is now available directly from the Carbide.c++ interface.

What are the key features of Carbide.c++

Carbide.c++ provides a comprehensive range of tools for creating software for Symbian and ensuring it’s of the highest quality.

Project templates
Carbide.c++ provides a range of templates that create skeleton projects for the most commonly used types of Symbian software.

Qt Designer
Qt Designer is integrated into Carbide.c++, streamlining the design and coding of graphical user interfaces built with Qt components.

CodeScanner
CodeScanner identifies coding issues before they become entrenched and costly to identify and remove, thereby improving code quality while reducing development costs.

Build and package
The build and packaging tools included in Carbide.c++ enable the creation of executable and installable software for emulators and devices.

Debugging
Debugging tools are provided to enable applications built for the emulator to be debugged. In addition, comprehensive support for debugging applications on Symbian devices is provided.

Why should I use Carbide.c++ from Forum Nokia?

The Carbide.c++ download from Forum Nokia has been optimised for the creation of third-party Symbian C++ and Qt software for Nokia Symbian devices.

To create components for Symbian or create a Symbian device the Product Development Toolkit from the Symbian Foundation website should be used. The toolkit contains Carbide.c++ along with tools specifically designed for the creation of Symbian devices and component software.

Carbide.c++ enables you to create Qt software for Symbian devices: To create cross-platform Qt software you will need to download the relevant frameworks, which include Qt Creator, from the Qt website.

How do I get started with Carbide.c++?

To get started with Carbide.c++, you will need a PC with at least a 1.8-GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 700 MB of free disk space (2.2 GB of free space will be needed if you don't already have an SDK installed). The PC can be running Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.

In addition, you will need an S60 SDK for Symbian C++ development. These SDKs require ActiveState ActivePerl to be installed. The recommended ActivePerl version is 5.6.1.635, however this version is no longer available as a free download. The current releases of ActivePerl can be used, but please refer to the dedicated thread on the Forum Nokia Discussion Boards for information on known issues and workarounds.

If you have this hardware, you can download and install Carbide.c++. The installation process is straightforward. To create Qt software you'll need to download and install the Qt libraries 4.6 for Symbian.

With Carbide.c++ installed, you should start by reviewing the Application Emulator Debug Example in the Introduction of the Carbide.c++ User Guide. This example provides step-by-step instructions for creating a simple application and debugging it using the tools in Carbide.c++.

What help does Forum Nokia offer for Carbide.c++?

Forum Nokia offers all developers a wide range of professional and community-based help and support for Carbide.c++ as follows:

• On-line User Guide – the Carbide.c++ user guide is available on-line for consultation over the internet.
• Discussion Boards – obtain help and support from the community of Forum Nokia developers working with Carbide.c++.
• Bug Reporting – found a problem with Carbide.c++? Report bugs on-line.
• Wiki – find more information on Carbide.c++ in articles created by the Forum Nokia community.
• Technical Support – need professional support? Submit a support request to Forum Nokia Technical Support.

With which Symbian platforms and devices is Carbide.c++ compatible?

Carbide.c++ can be used to develop applications for Symbian OS, S60 3.0 or later.

See specifications for Nokia Symbian devices »