A collection of single-file, dependency-free C/C++ libraries for game development and low-level programming.
cute_headers is a collection of single-file, dependency-free C/C++ libraries primarily aimed at game developers and low-level programmers. It provides modular solutions for common tasks like 2D collision detection, networking, sound playback, sprite batching, and asset parsing, all packaged as easy-to-integrate headers. The project solves the problem of bloated dependencies and complex build systems by offering self-contained libraries that can be dropped into any C/C++ project.
Game developers, embedded systems programmers, and C/C++ enthusiasts who need lightweight, portable libraries for graphics, audio, networking, or synchronization without external dependencies.
Developers choose cute_headers for its zero-dependency design, single-file simplicity, and focus on performance-critical use cases. Unlike larger frameworks, it offers modular, composable libraries that avoid build system headaches and keep compile times fast.
Collection of cross-platform one-file C/C++ libraries with no dependencies, primarily used for games
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Each library is a standalone header with implementation defined via a preprocessor macro, making it trivial to add to any project without modifying build scripts, as emphasized in the FAQ for reducing integration friction.
Libraries rely only on standard C/C++ libraries, ensuring portability across platforms from desktop to embedded systems, which eliminates external dependency headaches.
Avoids templates and excessive inlining to maintain fast compile times, as explained in the FAQ to prevent the typical slowdowns associated with header-only libraries.
Includes specialized libraries for common game tasks like 2D collision detection (cute_c2), networking (cute_net), and asset loading (cute_tiled), providing efficient solutions without bloat.
As admitted in the FAQ, these are 'rather low-level' libraries that solve specific problems, requiring developers to write additional code for higher-level functionality compared to full frameworks.
Documentation is limited to header comments and example folders, which may be inconsistent or insufficient for complex use cases, forcing reliance on Discord or trial-and-error.
Some headers have been moved to a deprecated repository, indicating potential instability or lack of long-term maintenance for certain features, as noted in the FAQ.