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microsoft/vscode-cpptools

Official Microsoft C/C++ extension for VS Code, providing IntelliSense editing and debugging for C and C++ code.

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What is it?

The C/C++ extension adds C and C++ language support to Visual Studio Code, covering code editing through IntelliSense and debugging of compiled programs. It is the official Microsoft extension for these languages in VS Code.

The extension does not bundle a compiler or debugger. Users install their own toolchain, such as MSVC, Clang, or GCC, and the extension works with it. Supported combinations include MSVC, Clang, and GCC on Windows, Clang and GCC on Linux, and Clang and GCC on macOS, across x64, x86, arm64, and arm architectures depending on platform.

The repository hosts the extension's source code, issue tracker, and code samples. Setup guides cover MSVC on Windows, MinGW-w64 and GCC on Windows, WSL, Linux, and Clang on macOS.

Key features

  • 01Provides IntelliSense code completion, navigation, and error checking for C and C++.
  • 02Supports debugging compiled C and C++ programs within VS Code.
  • 03Works with MSVC, Clang, and GCC on Windows, and Clang and GCC on Linux and macOS.
  • 04Offers enhanced syntax colorization and configurable IntelliSense settings.

Use cases

  • Writing and navigating C or C++ projects in VS Code on Windows, Linux, or macOS.
  • Debugging native C++ programs with breakpoints inside the editor.
  • Configuring IntelliSense for cross-compilation or specific compiler toolchains.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install the C/C++ extension from the VS Code Marketplace

  2. 2

    Install a C++ compiler and debugger on your computer (the extension does not include them)

Things to know

  • The extension does not include a C++ compiler or debugger, so you must install those separately.
  • Compiler support outside the listed Windows, Linux and macOS compilers may be limited.

Topics

#cpp#vscode-extension#intellisense#debugging#ide#language-server#microsoft#typescript

FAQ

What is vscode-cpptools?
Official Microsoft C/C++ extension for VS Code, providing IntelliSense editing and debugging for C and C++ code. The C/C++ extension adds C and C++ language support to Visual Studio Code, covering code editing through IntelliSense and debugging of compiled programs. It is the official Microsoft extension for these languages in VS Code.
Is vscode-cpptools free to use? What license does it have?
vscode-cpptools is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is vscode-cpptools still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to vscode-cpptools was on Nov 4, 2026.
What can I use vscode-cpptools for?
Writing and navigating C or C++ projects in VS Code on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Debugging native C++ programs with breakpoints inside the editor. Configuring IntelliSense for cross-compilation or specific compiler toolchains.
How do I install vscode-cpptools?
Install the C/C++ extension from the VS Code Marketplace Install a C++ compiler and debugger on your computer (the extension does not include them)
Where can I get vscode-cpptools?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-cpptools

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