vcpkg
vcpkg is a free, open-source package manager for acquiring and managing C/C++ libraries.
What vcpkg is
vcpkg is a free, open-source package manager for acquiring and managing C/C++ libraries. Its curated registry contains more than 2,300 open-source libraries, with dependency resolution for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Projects can use manifest files to specify dependencies, optional features, and version constraints. Baseline version sets and individual package pins support reproducible dependency choices. vcpkg works with CMake and MSBuild, and manual integration is available for other build systems. Built libraries can be cached for reuse across developer machines and continuous integration runs. Asset caching can also support offline or air-gapped work by mirroring source assets and build tools. Users can create custom registries for private libraries, patches, or other packages. The project documents editor integrations for Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, CLion, and Qt Creator. vcpkg collects anonymous usage data, with opt-out options. Firewall access needs vary with the ports being installed.
Good
- Free and open-source.
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Manifest files specify dependencies and version constraints.
- Caching supports reuse and offline environments.
- Custom registries can hold private libraries.
Watch out
- Firewall requirements vary by installed port.
- Collects anonymous usage data unless users opt out.
Who it suits
vcpkg suits developers managing C or C++ dependencies across supported platforms, especially projects that need version constraints, caching, or custom registries. It also fits teams using CMake or MSBuild.
Verdict
vcpkg brings library acquisition, dependency management, and caching into one package manager for C/C++ projects. Its broad platform support and options for reproducible versions make it useful for both individual projects and teams.
Plans and prices
From vcpkg's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free and open-source C/C++ package manager |
The facts
Each one read from vcpkg's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Binary caching
- Built packages can be cached and reused across developer machines and continuous integration runs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Build systems
- vcpkg integrates with CMake and MSBuild and also supports manual integration with other build systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Custom registries
- Users can create registries for custom packages, patches, or private libraries.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Dependency management
- Manifest files let projects declare dependencies, optional features, and version constraints.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Editors
- The project documents integrations for Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, CLion, and Qt Creator.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The project notes that firewall access requirements depend on which ports are being installed.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Offline installation
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Offline use
- Asset caching supports offline and air-gapped environments by mirroring source assets and build tools.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Package catalog
- The overview describes a curated registry with over 2,300 open-source libraries.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Package formats
- C/C++ librarieschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Private registry auth
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- vcpkg is a C/C++ package manager for acquiring and managing libraries.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project says most ports build libraries using their original build systems and download source code and tools from their official distribution locations.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project lists documentation, a development-team support contact, and community channels including Discord and Slack.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Telemetry
- vcpkg collects anonymous usage data, and users can opt out through bootstrap, a command-line option, or an environment variable.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Versioning
- Projects can use a baseline version set for reproducible dependency resolution and pin individual package versions.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2016checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linux,Android,iOSchecked 22 Sep 2026
