C++ Modules are a new feature introduced in C++20 that aims to improve the organization and efficiency of large-scale C++ projects. With modules, developers can define modular units of code that can be imported and used by other modules, reducing dependencies and improving performance.

In this blog post, we will explore the support for C++ Modules in three popular code editors: Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Sublime Text, and Atom. Let’s dive in and see how these editors handle C++ Modules.

1. VS Code

Visual Studio Code is a popular code editor with a wide range of extensions and features. When it comes to C++ Modules support, VS Code offers integration with the C/C++ extension. This extension provides intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, and error checking for C++ Modules.

To enable C++ Modules support in VS Code:

1. Install the C/C++ extension if you haven’t already.
2. Open your C++ project in VS Code.
3. Add the following lines to your c_cpp_properties.json file:

   "compilerPath": "<path/to/compiler>",
   "compilerArgs": ["-std=c++20", "-fmodules-ts"]
   

   Replace <path/to/compiler> with the actual path to your C++ compiler.

With these configurations in place, VS Code will be able to recognize and handle C++ Modules, providing a seamless development experience.

2. Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a lightweight and powerful code editor that is highly customizable. While Sublime Text does not have native support for C++ Modules, you can enhance its functionality with the help of plugins.

One popular package for C++ development in Sublime Text is the EasyClangComplete package. This package provides intelligent code completion and syntax checking for C++ code.

To set up C++ Modules support in Sublime Text using EasyClangComplete:

1. Install Sublime Text if you haven’t already.
2. Install the Package Control package manager for Sublime Text.
3. Install the EasyClangComplete package via Package Control.
4. Configure the include paths in the EasyClangComplete settings to include the module headers.

Once set up, EasyClangComplete will provide code suggestions and error checking for your C++ Modules code in Sublime Text.

3. Atom

Atom is a popular open-source code editor known for its extensibility. To enable C++ Modules support in Atom, we can use the language-cpp-modern package.

To enable C++ Modules support in Atom:

1. Install Atom if you haven’t already.
2. Install the language-cpp-modern package.
3. Open your C++ project in Atom.
4. Make sure your project is using the necessary clang flags for C++ Modules, such as -std=c++20 and -fmodules-ts.

With the language-cpp-modern package installed and the appropriate flags set, Atom can handle C++ Modules syntax highlighting and provide basic language support for C++ Modules.

Conclusion

While C++ Modules are a powerful addition to the C++ language, the level of support in code editors can vary. VS Code offers a more integrated and seamless experience with its C/C++ extension, while Sublime Text and Atom require additional packages and configuration.

Ultimately, the choice of code editor depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your C++ Modules project. Whether you prefer the extensive features of VS Code, the customization options of Sublime Text, or the open-source nature of Atom, there are options available to support your C++ Module development. Happy coding!

#C++Modules #CodeEditors