IrvRun is a lightweight Visual Studio Code extension that lets you run MASM32 Assembly code using Irvine32 with a single click. It streamlines the workflow for writing, building, and executing .asm files — making Irvine32 development fast, clean, and beginner-friendly with no manual setup required.
Developers
Kamogelo Lebelo
Budeli Thabelo
Features
One-click run: Instantly build and execute .asm files from the editor.
Automatic build & run: Uses make32 to compile and run programs.
Enhanced syntax highlighting: Tailored for Irvine32-style MASM code.
Built-in snippets: Insert frequently used patterns with a shortcut.
Run from file explorer or editor: Supports running files from both locations.
Integrated terminal output: See build and runtime output in the VS Code terminal.
Installation Requirements
Step 1: Download MASM615
Download MASM615 from the official bundle link:
MASM615.zip
Extract the contents directly to your C drive, so the path becomes:
C:\Masm615
Do not rename or relocate the folder. IrvRun expects MASM615 to be located exactly at C:\Masm615.
Step 2: Set the PATH Environment Variable
To allow your system (and VS Code) to recognize MASM tools like ml.exe and link.exe, add C:\Masm615 to your system PATH:
Press Windows and search for Environment Variables.
Click Edit the system environment variables.
In the System Properties window, click Environment Variables…
Under System variables, select the Path variable and click Edit.
Click New, then add:
C:\Masm615
Click OK to save all changes.
✅ After this, your system will be able to run MASM tools globally from any terminal or VS Code instance.
Step 3: Install IrvRun Extension
Open Visual Studio Code.
Press Ctrl+Shift+X to open the Extensions view.
Search for IrvRun and click Install.
Once installed, you can run .asm files directly from the editor or right-click in the file explorer.
Code Snippets
Use these helpful Irvine32 snippets by typing the prefix and pressing Tab:
Prefix
Description
skeleton
Basic MASM program with Irvine32 setup
writes
Print a string using WriteString
writei
Print an integer using WriteInt
readi
Read an integer using ReadInt
exit
Exit the program cleanly
Notes
Make sure ml.exe, link.exe, Irvine32.lib, and other required files exist in the correct subfolders inside C:\Masm615.
Only 32-bit MASM and Irvine32 are supported.
If you see errors like "command not found" or "linker not found", double-check your PATH setup.
Restart VS Code after editing environment variables to ensure changes are picked up.
Troubleshooting
Issue
Solution
ml or link not recognized
Ensure C:\Masm615 is correctly added to the system PATH.
Build fails with .lib error
Confirm Irvine32.lib is present in C:\Masm615\LIB.
No output in terminal
Check that the Run action is executing the expected .exe file.