What is .cpp?
.cpp files contain source code written in C++, a powerful, high-performance programming language. It is an extension of the C language that adds object-oriented features, making it the standard for system software, game development, and performance-critical applications.
This quick guide explains when to use .cpp files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .cpp files
- You are developing video games (Unreal Engine, custom engines).
- You are building operating systems, drivers, or embedded systems.
- You need real-time performance (trading systems, flight simulators).
- You are creating resource-intensive desktop applications (Adobe Photoshop, browsers).
How to open .cpp files
CPP files are plain text and can be edited in any text editor. However, IDEs like Visual Studio, CLion, or VS Code are recommended for features like syntax highlighting and debugging.
Algorithm details
C++ is a compiled language. The source code (.cpp) is preprocessed, compiled into assembly, assembled into object code (.o/.obj), and finally linked into an executable binary (.exe or equivalent) that runs directly on the hardware.
Browser & platform support
- Direct: Not supported by browsers.
- WebAssembly: C++ can be compiled to WebAssembly (.wasm) to run near-native speed in web browsers.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | One of the fastest languages available, as it compiles directly to machine code. |
| Control | Gives direct access to hardware and memory management (pointers). |
| Complexity | Steep learning curve due to manual memory management and complex syntax. |
How to create cpp files
- IDEs: Visual Studio (New > C++ Project).
- Text Editors: Save file as 'main.cpp'.
- CLI: 'touch main.cpp'.
How to convert cpp files
- Compiler: 'g++ main.cpp -o app' creates an executable.
- Emscripten: Compiles C++ to WebAssembly for the web.
- FileXhost: Upload to share source code.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Unmatched performance and efficiency
- Direct hardware access
- Portable (can be compiled for almost any architecture)
- Huge standard library (STL)
Disadvantages
- Difficult to learn and master
- Manual memory management can lead to bugs (memory leaks, segfaults)
- Longer compilation times for large projects
Tools & software
IDEs
Visual Studio, CLion, Xcode, Code::Blocks
Compilers
GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Clang, MSVC
Build Systems
CMake, Make, Ninja
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between .c and .cpp?
.c files contain C code (procedural), while .cpp files contain C++ code (object-oriented). C++ is largely compatible with C, but adds many new features.
Why do games use C++?
Because it offers fine-grained control over hardware and memory, allowing developers to squeeze every bit of performance out of the CPU and GPU.
What is a header file (.h / .hpp)?
Header files contain declarations (like function prototypes and class definitions) that are shared between multiple .cpp source files.
Technical specs
- File type
- Code
- Extension
- .cpp
- MIME type
- text/x-c++src, text/plain
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .cpp files instantly
Upload your .cpp file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .cpp file