Download Borland C++ Compiler 5.5 – Free Classic C++ Compiler for Windows

Borland C++ Compiler 5.5 is a free, professional-grade C++ compiler released by Borland (now Embarcadero) that remains a popular choice for learning C++ and building lightweight Windows applications. It is a command-line compiler that fully supports the C++ standard including templates, exceptions, and the STL, making it a solid tool for education and development.

Despite its age, Borland C++ 5.5 is still widely used in academic settings and by developers who need a fast, lightweight compiler without the overhead of a full IDE. It can be paired with any text editor or integrated into IDEs like Dev-C++ and Code::Blocks as an alternative compiler backend.

The compiler is free to download and use, making it an accessible starting point for C++ learners and a useful legacy tool for projects that require compatibility with Borland’s compiler behavior and runtime libraries.

Key Features

• Full C++ standards support including templates, exceptions, and the Standard Template Library (STL)
• Free to download and use — released by Borland at no cost
• Fast compilation times ideal for learning and smaller projects
• Command-line interface compatible with makefiles and build scripts
• Can be integrated as a compiler backend in Dev-C++, Code::Blocks, and other IDEs
• Includes the Borland Runtime Library (BRL) and standard headers
• Lightweight installation with minimal disk usage

How to Install

1. Click the download button above to save the Borland C++ Compiler 5.5 package to your computer.
2. Extract or run the installer and place the compiler files in a directory such as C:\Borland\BCC55.
3. Add the compiler’s bin directory to your system PATH environment variable.
4. Create a bcc32.cfg file in the bin directory pointing to the include and lib directories.
5. Open a command prompt, type bcc32 hello.cpp, and verify the compiler works correctly.