Guide · Open source
How to use awesome-cpp: find C++ libraries and resources
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
awesome-cpp is a curated, categorized list of links to C++ (and some C) frameworks, libraries, compilers, tools, books, talks and articles. It is a reference index rather than software you install, so there is nothing to run. This guide shows you how to navigate it, how to pick candidates for a specific job, and how to judge whether an entry is still worth using.
awesome-cppfffaraz/awesome-cpp · ★ 74.2k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Open the list. Read awesome-cpp in your browser at its homepage, or clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/fffaraz/awesome-cpp if you want a local copy.
- 2Define the task. Write down the job you need a library for, such as JSON parsing, networking or logging.
- 3Jump to the matching category. Use the table of contents to go to the topic section that matches your task.
- 4Shortlist candidates. Pick two or three entries from the category and open each project page.
- 5Check the license and status. Read the license tag and look for markers like [retired] before you commit.
- 6Verify in the source project. Open each candidate's own repository to confirm it is maintained and suits your platform.
What awesome-cpp is and what it is not
awesome-cpp is a README-based list maintained by the community. Each entry is a link with a short description and, in many cases, a license tag such as MIT, Apache2 or GPL.
It does not contain the libraries themselves and it does not run. Its job is to point you to other projects and resources.
- It is a reference index: read it online or clone it locally.
- It is not a package manager, IDE or working program.
- Entries are added and removed by community contributions.
Find your way around the categories
The list is split into top-level sections: Standard Libraries, Frameworks, a long run of topic categories such as Networking, JSON, Logging, GUI and Database, then Software (compilers, debuggers, IDEs, build systems, static analysis, coding style tools), Resources (articles, books, podcasts, talks, videos, websites, weblogs), and other lists and jobs.
The table of contents at the top links to each section. For a specific task, start with the matching topic category rather than reading the whole document.
- Need a library for one job: go to the topic heading, such as JSON or Networking.
- Want the broad ecosystem: read Standard Libraries and Frameworks first.
- Looking for learning material: go to Resources and its subsections.
Read an entry and check its status
Each entry follows the pattern name, link, short description, then tags. Tags can include the license (for example [MIT], [Apache2], [BSD], [GPL2]) and status markers such as [retired].
Some projects are dual-licensed or have mixed terms. The JUCE entry, for example, notes that its core module and other parts fall under different licenses, so read the license carefully before using anything in a product.
- Check the license tag before you adopt a library.
- Treat a [retired] tag as a warning and look for a current alternative.
- Open the project's own repository to confirm activity, since the list itself may lag behind.
Compare several candidates for one task
Pick a topic, open each candidate in a separate tab and compare the description, license and project page. Because the list is a single document, it is quick to scan several entries in the same category.
The list does not rate or rank entries, so the comparison is yours to make. Check each project's documentation, supported platforms and license against your needs.
- Shortlist two or three entries per task.
- Compare license, platform support and documentation.
- Confirm the project is still maintained in its own repository.
Get a local copy (optional)
You can read the list in a browser, or clone the repository to keep a local copy. Clone it with the command below. The source does not list any other prerequisites.
git clone https://github.com/fffaraz/awesome-cppUse it for learning and the wider ecosystem
Newcomers can use the Standard Libraries section and the Resources section to get an overview of the C++ ecosystem, including books, talks, podcasts and articles.
The list also links to related awesome lists, including lists for other languages and awesome-c, which is useful if your work involves C as well.
- Start with the Standard Library and Books entries.
- Use Talks, Videos and Podcasts for background reading.
- Use Other Awesome Lists to find related curated lists.
What people use it for
- Finding a logging or JSON library for a new C++ project.
- Comparing GUI toolkits or networking frameworks before choosing one.
- Building a reading list of C++ books, talks and podcasts.
- Learning which parts of the C++ standard library exist before writing custom code.
- Discovering related curated lists for other languages.
Frequently asked questions
Is awesome-cpp free to use?
The awesome-cpp list is published under the MIT license, as stated on its page. The libraries it links to each have their own licenses, which are shown as tags next to each entry, so check those separately.
Do I need to install awesome-cpp?
No. It is a list of links that you read online. You can optionally clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/fffaraz/awesome-cpp to keep a local copy.
What are the requirements for awesome-cpp?
The source lists no prerequisites. You only need a web browser to read the list, and git if you want to clone it.
Are the libraries on awesome-cpp still maintained?
Not always. The list depends on community upkeep, and some entries are marked [retired]. Check each project's own repository before relying on it.
What are alternatives to awesome-cpp?
Comparable projects include awesome-cpp-style lists in other languages and awesome-c, which covers the C side. Use them if your work is in another language or in C.
How is awesome-cpp different from a package manager?
awesome-cpp does not install or build anything. It only links to libraries and tools, so you still have to download and integrate the library you choose.
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Our verdict
awesome-cpp suits C++ developers who need a starting point for a specific library category, and newcomers who want an overview of the ecosystem and its learning resources. It is a poor fit if you need a working program right away or need verified, current status for every entry, because the list is a community-maintained set of links that may include retired projects.
Install options & downloads