Graphics.h Compiler for VS Code

Run C++ graphics.h programs with Turbo C or WinBGI directly from VS Code.

📺 Video Walkthrough

Click to watch the full demo on YouTube — covers both modes, setup, and usage.

🚀 How to Run

1. Open a C++ file (.cpp, .c++, .cc, or .cxx) that uses #include <graphics.h>
2. Click the dropdown arrow (▾) next to the ▶ Run button in the top-right corner of the editor
3. Two options will appear — pick the one that suits you

🖥️ Compilation Modes

This extension gives you two ways to compile and run graphics.h programs, each with its own strengths.

Mode 1 — Turbo C (DOSBox)

Runs your code inside an emulated Turbo C 3.0 environment, rendered directly in a VS Code tab. No downloads, no configuration — just open and run.

• Nothing to install — the Turbo C compiler, DOSBox runtime, and WASM binary are all bundled inside the extension
• Completely isolated — a fresh copy of the DOS environment is created in memory on every run, so there's no stale state between executions
• Errors shown inline — if compilation fails, an error panel appears below the DOS canvas without leaving the tab
• Windows and Linux supported — the DOSBox runtime is bundled with the extension
• macOS is experimental — Turbo C mode is enabled, but it has not yet been tested on a physical macOS machine

Mode 2 — WinBGI (Native Windows)

Compiles your code using MinGW + WinBGI and runs it as a real native Windows executable. On Linux, it runs through Wine automatically.

• Proper error diagnostics — compilation errors appear in VS Code's Problems panel (Ctrl+Shift+M) with exact file, line, and column info — just like any modern C++ project
• One-time toolchain setup — the extension downloads and installs everything automatically on first use:
  • Downloads ~220 MB from the internet
  • Extracts to up to ~1 GB on disk
  • A five-stage progress notification shows download, checksum verification, archive extraction, graphics-file copy, and installation verification in real time
• Ubuntu/Debian ready — Wine uses the dedicated graphics.h prefix created by the installer

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

All commands are also reachable via the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) — search for Graphics.h.

⚙️ Extension Settings

Open settings with Ctrl+, and search for graphics-h-compiler:

🔧 First-Time Setup

Windows

WinBGI mode will ask for your permission before downloading anything. Once confirmed, the extension handles the full setup:

• Downloads the MinGW32 toolchain (~220 MB)
• Extracts to up to ~1 GB on disk
• Copies the graphics.h library files automatically
• Shows a step-by-step progress indicator throughout

Turbo C mode requires no setup at all on Windows.

Ubuntu / Debian Linux

When you first run WinBGI mode, the extension offers Open Terminal & Run. It opens a terminal, starts the bundled installer, and keeps a progress notification visible while it verifies the compiler, Wine, and graphics files. Enter your sudo password in the terminal if prompted. The script installs:

• i686-w64-mingw32-g++ — the MinGW cross-compiler
• wine — to execute the compiled Windows binary
• bundled graphics.h compatibility files — installed to /usr/local

View the full Ubuntu install script →

macOS

Turbo C (DOSBox) mode is available on macOS, but it is experimental and unverified because it has not been tested on a physical macOS machine. WinBGI is not supported on macOS.

🌐 No VS Code? Try the Online Compiler

You can compile and run basic graphics.h programs directly in your browser — no installation of any kind required.

→ Open the Online Compiler

🔗 Links

• VS Code Marketplace
• GitHub Repository
• Report an Issue
• Ubuntu Install Script

Built for students learning computer graphics. If it helped you, drop a ⭐ on GitHub — it means a lot.