The C/C++ extension adds language support for C/C++ to Visual Studio Code, including editing (IntelliSense) and debugging features.
C++ is a compiled language meaning your program's source code must be translated (compiled) before it can be run on your computer. VS Code is first and foremost an editor, and relies on command-line tools to do much of the development workflow. The C/C++ extension does not include a C++ compiler or debugger. You will need to install these tools or use those already installed on your computer.
- C++ compiler pre-installed
- C++ debugger pre-installed
Here is a list of compilers and architectures per platform officially supported by the extension. These are reflected by the available IntelliSense modes from the extension's IntelliSense configuration. Note that support for other compilers may be limited.
| Platform | Compilers | Architectures |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | MSVC, Clang, GCC | x64, x86, arm64, arm |
| Linux | Clang, GCC | x64, x86, arm64, arm |
| macOS | Clang, GCC | x64, x86, arm64 |
For more information about installing the required tools or setting up the extension, please follow the tutorials below.
C/C++ extension tutorials per compiler and platform
- Microsoft C++ compiler (MSVC) on Windows
- GCC and Mingw-w64 on Windows
- GCC on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
- GCC on Linux
- Clang on macOS
- Editing features (IntelliSense)
- IntelliSense configuration
- Enhanced colorization
- Debugging
- Debug configuration
- Enable logging for IntelliSense or debugging
FAQs
Check out the FAQs before filing a question.
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Known issues
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Contributions are always welcome. Please see our contributing guide for more details.
This project has adopted the Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct. For more information see the Code of Conduct FAQ or contact opencode@microsoft.com with any additional questions or comments.
This extension collects usage data and sends it to Microsoft to help improve our products and services. Collection of telemetry is controlled via the same setting provided by Visual Studio Code: "telemetry.enableTelemetry". Read our privacy statement to learn more.