https://github.com/alightsoulmate/lite-dev-cpp
A lightweight C/C++ editor for macOS, written in Rust, inspired by Dev-C++
https://github.com/alightsoulmate/lite-dev-cpp
cpp dev-cpp editor lightweight-app lite-app macos rust
Last synced: about 4 hours ago
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A lightweight C/C++ editor for macOS, written in Rust, inspired by Dev-C++
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/alightsoulmate/lite-dev-cpp
- Owner: AlightSoulmate
- License: mit
- Created: 2026-06-03T19:32:54.000Z (about 1 month ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-06-19T19:32:25.000Z (21 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-06-19T21:21:50.041Z (21 days ago)
- Topics: cpp, dev-cpp, editor, lightweight-app, lite-app, macos, rust
- Language: Rust
- Homepage:
- Size: 1.71 MB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# Lite Dev-C++
A lightweight C/C++ editor for macOS, built with Rust and inspired by Dev-C++.
[](https://github.com/AlightSoulmate/Lite-Dev-Cpp/releases/latest)
[](https://github.com/AlightSoulmate/Lite-Dev-Cpp/actions/workflows/release.yml)
[](https://github.com/AlightSoulmate/Lite-Dev-Cpp/blob/main/LICENSE)
Open folders, edit C/C++ files, and build and run programs without installing a heavyweight IDE.
[Download the latest release](https://github.com/AlightSoulmate/Lite-Dev-Cpp/releases/latest)
## Features
- Lightweight native macOS application.
- Folder-based workflow with a built-in file tree.
- Editing for common C/C++ source and header files.
- Syntax highlighting, automatic indentation, and paired brackets and quotes.
- Configurable C and C++ compiler commands.
- One-click build and run with compiler output shown inside the app.
- System terminal support for programs that read from standard input.
## Quick Start
1. Install the Xcode Command Line Tools if they are not already available:
```sh
xcode-select --install
```
2. Download `Lite-Dev-Cpp-macOS-universal.zip` from the [latest release](https://github.com/AlightSoulmate/Lite-Dev-Cpp/releases/latest), extract it, and open the app.
3. Open a folder, select a C or C++ source file, then click `Build & Run`.
> [!NOTE]
> Lite Dev-C++ does not include a C/C++ compiler. The Xcode Command Line Tools provide `clang` and `clang++` on macOS.
## Compiler Configuration
The compiler commands can be changed in the top toolbar. Click `Save Config` to store them in the macOS application configuration directory:
```text
~/Library/Application Support/dev.LiteDevCpp.Lite-Dev-C++/config.toml
```
Default configuration:
```toml
[compiler]
c_compiler = "clang"
cpp_compiler = "clang++"
```
## Supported Files
Lite Dev-C++ can open and edit `.c`, `.cpp`, `.cc`, `.cxx`, `.h`, `.hpp`, `.hh`, and `.hxx` files. Builds are available for `.c`, `.cpp`, `.cc`, and `.cxx` source files.
Build artifacts are written to a temporary application directory instead of beside the source file, so existing project files are not overwritten.
## Current Limitations
Lite Dev-C++ is an early, minimal editor rather than a full IDE. It does not yet include:
- A debugger.
- Project templates.
- Full code completion or integrated `clangd` diagnostics.
- Multi-file project build configuration.
- macOS code signing and notarization.
Because the current macOS release is unsigned, macOS may require you to approve the app manually in **System Settings → Privacy & Security** before opening it.
## Development
The application is written in Rust with `egui`/`eframe`. To run it from source:
```sh
cargo run
```
## License
Lite Dev-C++ is available under the [MIT License](LICENSE).