Xcode won't install to my macbook air

I previously downloaded Xcode, but do not currently have it installed. When I attempt to redownload it from the App Store (I need it for a course I am taking) it will not even start to install. My software is up to date (Catalina 10.15.2) and I have the disk space for it. Is there something that I can do to work around the App Store or is that the only way to download it? Or if not is there an alternate C++ coding app that allows code to be saved as a file?