How to install CLion on a Chromebook in 2024

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In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing CLion on your Chromebook. CLion is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for C and C++ programming, developed by JetBrains. It offers intelligent code assistance, a wide range of built-in tools, and seamless integration with various build systems and debuggers.

Compatibility Note

Before we begin, it's important to note that this tutorial is specifically designed for Chromebooks with Intel or AMD CPUs that support Linux Apps (Crostini). Unfortunately, this method won't work on Chromebooks with ARM64 architecture CPUs.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, please refer to the video tutorial below. It provides step-by-step instructions that complement the written guide.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Enable Linux Apps

If you haven't already enabled Linux apps on your Chromebook, you'll need to do so first:

  1. Go to your Chromebook's Settings
  2. Click on the "About Chrome OS" section in the left panel
  3. Under the "Developer" section, choose "Set up Linux"
  4. Follow the prompts to enable Linux, allocating at least 12GB for the Linux container

2. Install Required Packages

Open a terminal from your app menu and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install clang* g++ build-essential default-jdk kmenuedit

These commands update your package lists and install necessary development tools and a menu editor.

3. Download and Extract CLion

Next, we'll download and extract the CLion package:

wget https://download.jetbrains.com/cpp/CLion-2024.1.1.tar.gz
tar -xf CLion-2024.1.1.tar.gz

4. Launch CLion

Now, let's launch CLion to ensure everything is working correctly:

./clion-2024.1.1/bin/clion.sh

5. Add CLion to Your App Menu

To make launching CLion more convenient in the future, we'll add it to your app menu:

kmenuedit

In the menu editor:

  1. Choose a category for CLion
  2. Click on "New Item"
  3. Choose a name for the desktop entry
  4. Set the command to the path of clion.sh
  5. Save the launcher

Additional Information

CLion offers a wide range of features that make C and C++ development more efficient and enjoyable. Some key features include:

  • Smart code completion
  • On-the-fly code analysis
  • Quick-fixes for common problems
  • Refactoring tools
  • Built-in debugger and test runner

While CLion is a paid software, JetBrains offers a 30-day free trial. Students and teachers can also apply for a free educational license.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during installation or while using CLion:

  • Ensure your Chromebook's Linux container has sufficient storage space
  • Check that all required dependencies are correctly installed
  • Verify that your Chromebook's Linux environment is up-to-date
  • Consult the official CLion documentation for more detailed troubleshooting steps

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should now have CLion successfully installed on your Chromebook. This powerful IDE will greatly enhance your C and C++ development experience. Happy coding!

For more detailed information about CLion, visit the official CLion website.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

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