VS Code cCompiler Extension

A simple extension that helps you Compile C projects in VS Code. It auto-generates a minimal Makefile (or compiles on the fly), tracks local header dependencies, and runs your program—all with Two simple commands.

Install

Install using this link https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=DeepinderDhillon.cCompiler

Search C-Compile in VS Code Extensions

Features

Feature	What it does
Run	Compiles and runs the current `.c` file. Uses Makefile if available.
Makefile generation	Creates a Makefile by finding all related `.c` files from includes.
Run prompt	Fills in `./program` in the terminal so you can hit Enter or add args.
Custom settings	Change compiler, flags, and libraries in VS Code settings.
Safe overwrite	Asks before replacing an existing Makefile.
Terminal fallback	Opens terminal and reruns command if build fails in background.

How to Use

Open a .c file in your editor.
Press F1, Ctrl+Shift+P, or type > to open the command palette.
Type and run C: Generate Makefile & Compile.

It will generate a Makefile (if one doesn’t exist), scan for dependencies, and compile the project.

Type and run C: Compile & Run.

If Makefile exists, runs make; else compiles tracked .c files. Pre-fills ./program for quick run.

Customizing the Build

You can change the compiler or flags in the extension settings.

Method 1: VS Code Settings UI

Go to Settings → Extensions → cCompiler and set:

CC – the compiler (e.g. gcc)
CFLAGS – compiler flags
LIBS – linker libraries

Method 2: Editing `settings.json`

Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
Select Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)
Add the following:

{
  "cCompiler.CC": "gcc",
  "cCompiler.CFLAGS": ["-std=c11", "-Wall"],
  "cCompiler.LIBS": ["-lm", "-lpthread"]
}

These settings will apply when generating a Makefile or compiling a file directly.

Requirements

VS Code version 1.99 or higher
GCC, Make installed and available in your system PATH

Contributing

Fork the repo
Create a new branch
Open a pull request with your changes

License

MIT

C-Compile

Deepinder Dhillon