Qt Creator 18: Development Container Support and IDE Enhancements

Qt Creator 18's latest release introduces experimental development container support, upgraded toolchains, and UI enhancements for streamlined C++, QML, and cross-platform development.

Qt Creator 18 IDE interface showing development container integration and code editing features

Tech News1 min read

Introduction

Qt Creator 18 introduces experimental development container support and key enhancements for C++, QML, and multi-language workflows, enhancing the cross-platform IDE with containerized development and improved UX.

Development Container Integration

Qt Creator 18 now supports development containers via devcontainer.json files, automating Docker container setup for consistent environments. Custom kits and command bridge settings simplify configuration.

Enhanced User Interface and Workflow

The Welcome mode's new Overview tab centralizes tutorials and resources. Tabbed editors improve multi-file organization, complementing cross-platform development tools.

Language and Toolchain Updates

Upgraded Clangd/LLVM to v21.1 enhances C++ code analysis. QML Language Server is now independent of Qt version, and GitHub Copilot supports Enterprise environments.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Automated environment setup with containers
Improved C++ code analysis
Flexible QML server usage
Enhanced Copilot for enterprises
Better tabbed editors
Centralized resources in Overview
Improved remote Linux config

Disadvantages

Container support is experimental
Requires Docker knowledge
Learning curve for containers
Extra setup for enterprise features

Conclusion

Qt Creator 18 advances IDE capabilities with experimental container support, toolchain updates, and UI refinements, valuable for complex multi-platform projects despite experimental features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is development container support in Qt Creator 18?

Development container support in Qt Creator 18 automatically detects devcontainer.json files and creates Docker containers tailored to project needs, streamlining environment setup and ensuring consistency across development teams.

Which programming languages does Qt Creator 18 support?

Qt Creator 18 supports C++, QML, JavaScript, and Python development with enhanced toolchain integration and language server capabilities for improved coding efficiency.

What are the system requirements for Qt Creator 18?

Qt Creator 18 requires a supported operating system like Windows, macOS, or Linux, with adequate RAM and storage for development projects. Specific requirements depend on the project size and tools used.

Is Qt Creator 18 compatible with previous Qt versions?

Yes, Qt Creator 18 maintains compatibility with previous Qt versions, allowing developers to work on existing projects while leveraging new features like container support and updated toolchains.

How do I set up development containers in Qt Creator 18?

To set up development containers, ensure Docker is installed, then Qt Creator 18 will detect devcontainer.json files in your project and automatically configure the environment through IDE preferences.