C++ Starter
Learn by building, from C++ fundamentals to games, graphical interfaces, and HTTP programming on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Code workspace
- Create, rename, duplicate, delete, and restore local projects with automatic code saving;
- Organize projects with real source and header files, and export projects;
- Compile and run C++17 on your device;
- Use preset standard input, or enter input and send EOF in the console;
- Read output, compiler diagnostics, and execution status, and stop programs.
Project environments
Start with a standard C++ console project, or use games and graphics (raylib), interfaces and interaction (TGUI), HTTP networking (CPR), or a custom project with selected libraries, presentation mode, and a separate server.
Network projects let you edit, run, and stop the client and Crow server separately. Access the server in the same project at http://cppstarter:8080. This address is handled inside the app and does not expose device port 8080. External websites require a network connection. Find supported libraries, dependencies, versions, and guides in Settings → Runtime Environments.
Courses and exercises
Course content is available in Simplified Chinese, English, and Japanese. Topics include C++ fundamentals, data processing and the standard library, algorithms and problem solving, object-oriented programming and project organization, console tools, games, graphical interfaces, and HTTP programming.
Lessons include prerequisites, learning points, learning objectives, explanations, examples and their run records, exercises, and reference implementations. Console exercises check program output using test input; graphics and game exercises use an interactive play-test checklist. Progress and exercise drafts are stored locally.
Free access, IDE Pro, and Learning Pro
- Free access: standard C++ projects within the free project limit, and the free C++ fundamentals course.
- IDE Pro: a one-time purchase for multiple projects and advanced projects with selected libraries, console or graphical presentation, and a separate server. It does not include paid courses.
- Learning Pro: access to all paid courses available in your region for 1, 3, or 12 months, without automatic renewal. Course exercises do not require IDE Pro or count toward the regular project limit. Learning Pro does not include IDE Pro.
Prices, available products, and the course selection are shown in the app and App Store purchase interface.
Local execution and data
All three platforms use bundled Clang, LLD, libc++, WASI, and WebAssembly tools, without a system compiler installation. Compilation, execution, and downloaded course content work locally. Course downloads and updates, purchases and restoration, version checks, and external services require networking.
The app does not upload source code for compilation or exercise checks. Network code you run sends data to the destinations specified in that code. Project files, assets, drafts, and progress stay in local storage. There are no app accounts, cloud sync, or cloud backups; export important projects separately.
System requirements
Requires iOS/iPadOS 17 or macOS 14 or later. Initial toolchain preparation and supported program size depend on device performance, available memory, and code complexity.
C++ Starter is for learning and small programs. Supported libraries and system capabilities are described in the app’s runtime guides; compatibility with arbitrary desktop C++ projects is not guaranteed.