C++ Active File Project Template

Create a ready-to-debug, single-file C++ practice project from the VS Code Command Palette on macOS, Linux, or Windows.

What it creates

• hello.cpp with comments explaining active-file execution
• .vscode/tasks.json that compiles ${file}
• .vscode/launch.json using CodeLLDB
• .vscode/settings.json that opens the Debug Console and avoids unwanted assembly views
• Immediate std::cout flushing so output remains visible before debugger stops
• Compiler warnings on every supported platform
• Undefined-behaviour sanitizer on macOS and Linux

Use

1. Install the extension.
2. Open an empty folder in VS Code.
3. Open the Command Palette:
   • macOS: Shift+Command+P
   • Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+P
4. Run C++ Active File: Create Cross-Platform C++ Debug Project.
5. Open a .cpp file and press F5.

The active editor file is compiled because the build task uses ${file}. Switching to a different .cpp file before pressing F5 builds and runs that file instead.

Platform behaviour

The extension detects an available compiler when possible and writes that command into the generated tasks.json.

Requirements

• VS Code
• CodeLLDB
• Microsoft C/C++ extension
• A C++ compiler available on PATH

CodeLLDB and Microsoft C/C++ are included in this extension's extension pack. Compilers must be installed separately.

Scope

This is a single-file learning template. The active .cpp file must contain main(). Multi-file applications should use a build system such as CMake.

Publishing

See PUBLISHING.md for Marketplace instructions.