C++ Notebook (cppnb)

Run C++ code in a notebook environment—like Jupyter, but for C++—directly inside Visual Studio Code. This extension enables incremental development across cells, state caching, configurable compilation settings, and clean inline output.

Features

• Notebook-style Cell Execution
  • Run individual code cells in isolation
  • State cells (no main()) persist and compile once for reuse
• State Caching
  • Functions, classes, and variables remain available across cells
• Input Handling
  • Detects cin, getline, etc. and prompts for input when needed
  • Manual input mode via command palette
• Formatted Output
  • Optional pretty output cards (cppnb.prettyUI)
• Configurable Compiler & Flags
  • Supports MinGW, MSYS2, GCC, Clang, and WSL
• Timeout Protection
  • Prevents infinite loops from hanging VS Code

Requirements

Windows (MinGW Recommended)

1. Install MinGW-w64.
2. Verify your compiler installation:

where g++

The typical installation path:

C:\MinGW\bin\g++.exe

3. Ensure this path is added to your System Environment PATH.

Creating a Notebook

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + P
2. Select C++ Notebook: New Notebook
3. Save with extension:

.cppnb

Cell Types

1. State Cell

A cell without main()—compiled into a reusable object file.

int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; }

2. Run Cell

A cell with main()—linked with prior compiled state and executed.

#include <iostream> using namespace std; int main() { cout << add(5, 7) << endl; }

Input Handling

Automatic (Default)

If your program uses cin, getline, or scanf, you will be prompted for input.

Manual

Use the command palette:

C++ Notebook: Run Cell With Input

Input format example:

Settings

Commands

Known Limitations

• Interactive or real-time terminal programs are not supported
• Infinite loops are terminated after the timeout period

License

MIT License © 06Neel