Easy Code Runner — External Terminal

Compile and run the active file in the external terminal you choose.

Press F12. Easy Code Runner saves your file, selects its runner, and opens a separate console with the output ready to read. Choose your terminal, customize your shortcut, and edit each language's command directly in VS Code Settings.

Download the latest VSIX · Configuration · All languages · Report an issue

Made for your workflow

Feature	What you get
One shortcut	Run with F12, choose another preset, or record a custom key combination.
Your terminal	Open Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Terminal, iTerm2, XTerm, and more.
64 runner definitions	Compilers, interpreters, script variants, .NET projects, and stylesheet converters.
Commands you control	Select a language from a dropdown and edit its Run Config below it.
Clear results	Compilation time, exit status, and the original red cat artwork when a command fails.
Interactive programs	Type input in the external console; pause after completion to keep output visible.

Quick start

Download Easy Code Runner 0.4.2.
In VS Code, open Extensions → … → Install from VSIX… and select the file.
Run Developer: Reload Window if prompted.
Open a saved source file in a trusted workspace and press F12.

Install the appropriate compiler or runtime first and make it available on PATH. Easy Code Runner uses your installed tools; it does not bundle them. VS Code 1.85 or newer is required.

F12 takes precedence over Go to Definition while a saved editor has focus. Change it in Settings → Easy Code Runner → Run Key if you prefer another shortcut.

Make every language yours

Open Settings and search Easy Code Runner. In the Executors section:

Programming Language:  C++                         ▾
Run Config:            g++ {filename} -o {binary} && {binary}

Each language keeps its own command. Switch the dropdown to load and edit another one. The dropdown selects the configuration to edit; running still follows the active file's language.

Use {filename} for the source path and {binary} for the compiled program. Paths are quoted automatically. && runs the next command only when the previous one succeeds. Clear the field to restore the built-in runner.

Explore placeholders, custom tools, and advanced executors →

Choose your external terminal

Platform	Built-in terminal choices
Windows	Windows PowerShell · Command Prompt · Windows Terminal · PowerShell 7
Linux	XTerm · GNOME Terminal · Konsole · Xfce Terminal · Kitty · Alacritty
BSD	XTerm · Konsole · Xfce Terminal · Kitty · Alacritty
macOS	Apple Terminal · iTerm2

Every platform also has a Custom option for an executable and its launch arguments. Configure the terminal for your OS in Settings. Pause After Run keeps the result visible until you close it.

A graphical desktop is required for external terminals. Execution happens on the extension host machine; headless SSH sessions do not open a console on your local computer. Some languages have platform-specific toolchains.

Broad language coverage

C · C++ · Python · JavaScript · TypeScript · Java · Rust · Go · Ruby · PHP · Kotlin · Dart · Swift · C# · F# · Julia · Lua · Scala · Haskell · Nim · Zig · Fortran · and more.

The registry covers every language ID and extension in Code Runner's default executor maps at the reference commit documented in third-party notices. The 64 definitions include language, script, and project variants.

See all extensions, required tools, and language-specific notes →

What to expect

Commands run from the source file's directory. Build outputs are written beside the source.
Most runners handle individual files. Java expects a matching main class in the default package; project-based runners need a suitable project.
Native terminal launch behavior has been checked on Windows. Unix scripts and all launcher mappings have automated coverage; Linux, BSD, and macOS desktop launches still need testing on those systems.

Windows execution has been verified with Python, JavaScript, C, C++, Java, Rust, Go, PowerShell, and Batch. 22 automated checks cover mappings, path handling, compiler failures, shortcuts, and per-language configuration persistence.

Help shape Easy Code Runner

Found a bug or want another terminal adapter? Open an issue, or follow the contribution guide to send a change.

If Easy Code Runner makes your workflow easier, star the repository so other developers can find it.

Created by Spandan Halder. Evolved from the original Windows Python and batch launcher, preserved in this repository. See the changelog for recent releases.