🚀 C/C++ Code Runner - The Ultimate VS Code Extension

The most comprehensive and lightning-fast C/C++ extension for Visual Studio Code. Compile, run, and format your C/C++ code with zero configuration. Perfect for beginners, competitive programming, and professional development.

🔧 About This Extension

It is an all-in-one extension for C and C++ programming in VS Code, which includes:

• Code Runner: Execute C/C++ programs instantly
• Code Formatter: Professional code formatting
• Snippets: 100+ ready-to-use code snippets
• Many more features: Everything you need for C/C++ development

⚡ Powered by Rust

This extension uses the crun binary written in Rust for all of its core functionalities, ensuring:

• Maximum Performance: Lightning-fast compilation and execution
• Cross-Platform Reliability: Consistent behavior across all platforms
• Memory Efficiency: Optimized resource usage

📦 Binary Information

• Source Code: Available at crun_rs repository
• Pre-compiled Binaries: Included for Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Standalone Usage: Download from the releases section for command-line use

🌟 Why Choose C/C++ Code Runner?

• ⚡ Lightning Fast: Compile and run C/C++ code in milliseconds with intelligent caching
• 🧠 Zero Configuration: Works out of the box with automatic compiler detection
• 🎯 One-Click Everything: Run code with F9, format with Alt+Shift+F, create files instantly
• 🔧 Smart Formatting: Automatic code formatting with industry-standard formatters
• 📝 100+ Snippets: Complete library of C/C++ code snippets for rapid development
• 🌐 Cross-Platform: Works perfectly on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• 🎮 Beginner Friendly: Perfect for learning C/C++ programming

🚀 Quick Start Guide

Step 1: Install the Extension

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
3. Search for "C/C++ Code Runner"
4. Click Install

Step 2: Create Your First C/C++ Program

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open Command Palette
2. Type "New C/C++ Source File"
3. Enter your filename (e.g., "hello")
4. Choose C or C++
5. Start coding!

Step 3: Run Your Code

• Press F9 to compile and run
• Press Ctrl+F9 to force recompile and run
• See output instantly in the terminal

Step 4: Format Your Code

• Press Alt+Shift+F to format current file
• Code auto-formats when you save (enabled by default)
• Use Command Palette: "Format Current C/C++ File" or "Format Entire Workspace"

✨ Key Features

🎯 Instant Code Execution

• F9: Quick run with smart caching
• Ctrl+F9: Force recompile for clean builds
• Zero setup: Works immediately after installation
• Multiple output modes: Integrated terminal or dedicated output panel

🎨 Professional Code Formatting

• Auto-format on save: Keep your code clean automatically
• Alt+Shift+F: Format current file instantly
• Workspace formatting: Format all C/C++ files in your project
• Multiple formatter support: Works with clang-format, uncrustify, and more

🔧 Smart Compiler Detection

Automatically detects and uses the best available compiler:

For C Files:

• GCC (GNU Compiler Collection)
• Clang (LLVM C/C++ Compiler)
• Zig (Zig CC)
• Microsoft Visual C++
• Intel C Compiler
• Tiny C Compiler
• Portable C Compiler

For C++ Files:

• G++ (GNU C++ Compiler)
• Clang++ (LLVM C++ Compiler)
• Microsoft Visual C++
• Intel C++ Compiler

📝 Complete Snippet Library

C Snippets (50+):

• main → Complete main function
• printf → Print statement
• scanf → Input statement
• for → For loop structure
• while → While loop
• if → If statement
• struct → Structure definition
• func → Function template

C++ Snippets (50+):

• main → C++ main with iostream
• cout → Output stream
• cin → Input stream
• class → Class definition
• vector → Vector container
• map → Map container
• lambda → Lambda function
• namespace → Namespace declaration

🎮 Complete Usage Guide

Running Code

Formatting Code

Creating Files

1. Command Palette Method:

   • Press Ctrl+Shift+P
   • Type "New C/C++ Source File"
   • Enter filename
   • Choose C or C++

2. File Explorer Method:

   • Right-click in Explorer
   • Select "New C/C++ Source File"

⚙️ Configuration Options

Customize the extension to your preferences:

{
	"crun.runInExternalTerminal": false,
	"crun.showNotifications": true,
	"crun.compilerFlags": "",
	"crun.formatOnSave": true,
	"crun.showFormattingOutput": false
}

Settings Explained

• runInExternalTerminal: Choose between integrated terminal or output panel
• showNotifications: Enable/disable success/error notifications
• compilerFlags: Add custom compiler flags
• formatOnSave: Automatically format files when saving
• showFormattingOutput: Show output channel during formatting operations## 🎯 Perfect For

🎓 Students & Beginners

• Learn C/C++ with instant feedback
• No complex setup required
• Built-in examples and snippets
• Error messages in plain English

🏆 Competitive Programming

• Lightning-fast compilation
• Quick testing with different inputs
• Multiple compiler support
• Template snippets for contests

💼 Professional Development

• Enterprise-grade formatting
• Team collaboration features
• Consistent code style
• Workspace-wide formatting

🔬 Educators

• Easy classroom setup
• Consistent environment for all students
• Teaching-friendly interface
• Comprehensive documentation

🌐 Cross-Platform Support

🔥 Advanced Features

Smart Caching System

• Compile only when source changes
• Dependency tracking
• Incremental builds
• Force recompile option

Multiple Output Modes

• Integrated Terminal: See output directly in VS Code
• Output Panel: Dedicated panel for program output
• Error Highlighting: Instant error detection and highlighting

Workspace Intelligence

• Auto-detect project structure
• Multi-file project support
• Header file dependency tracking
• Workspace-wide formatting

📊 Performance Benchmarks

🎉 What's New in v1.5.0

🎨 Professional Code Formatting

• Auto-format on save
• Alt+Shift+F integration
• Workspace formatting
• Multiple formatter support

⚡ Enhanced Performance

• Faster compilation
• Improved caching
• Better error handling
• Optimized memory usage

🔧 Developer Experience

• Better error messages
• Improved notifications
• Enhanced documentation
• More configuration options

🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Here's how you can help:

1. Report Issues: Found a bug? Report it on GitHub
2. Request Features: Have an idea? Let us know
3. Improve Documentation: Help others learn
4. Share Feedback: Tell us how we can improve

📄 License

This extension is licensed under the MIT License. See LICENSE for details.

🏆 Join Thousands of Happy Developers

"This extension made learning C++ so much easier! No more command line struggles." - Sarah K.

"Perfect for beginner in programming in c. Compile and test in seconds! no need to worry about setup and terminal commands." - Alex M.

"The formatting feature is a game-changer for our team projects." - Development Team Lead

Ready to supercharge your C/C++ development? Install now and experience the difference!

🔍 Keywords

C, C++, CPP, Compiler, Runner, Format, Formatter, Code, Programming, GCC, Clang, Visual Studio Code, Extension, Development, Fast, Quick, Easy, Beginner, Student, Competitive Programming, Professional

Made with ❤️ by Utsav Pokhrel

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