Introduction to V++

V++ is a statically typed programming language with readable syntax, a fast interpreter for development, and native compilation to standalone executables via LLVM.

Write it simply. Compile it natively. Grow into control when you need it.

What V++ is

V++ targets developers who want Python style readability without giving up compile time safety or native performance. You start with vpp run during learning and prototyping, then ship the same source with vpp build when you need a .exe with no runtime dependency.

The toolchain includes a type checker, formatter, package manager, test runner, VS Code language server, and twenty guided projects from beginner to advanced.

How V++ compares

vs Python: V++ catches type errors before run, produces native binaries, and keeps similar control flow and function syntax. You trade PyPI's scale for a smaller, focused stdlib and a compiler that fits in one repo.

vs Rust: V++ avoids ownership/borrowing complexity upfront. Memory is ARC managed in native builds; you get structs, enums, match, generics, and traits without the full Rust learning cliff.

vs C/C++: V++ removes manual memory management and header boilerplate. You still get native code and predictable performance for the supported subset.

Why use V++ now

• One language, two modes interpret while learning, compile when shipping.
• Errors before run static types and exhaustiveness checking on match.
• Real toolchain CLI, LSP, VS Code extension, packages, tests, not a toy parser.
• Open source MIT licensed, compiler and docs in one repository.
• Honest scope v1.0 SPEC is frozen; Windows is the primary native platform; Unix bundles improving.

How to learn V++

1. Install the Windows installer or build from source.

2. Write your first program types, fn main, run/check/build.

3. Scaffold a project with vpp new and run tests.

4. Work through the 20 projects in order each builds on the last.

5. Read the language overview and FAQ.

6. Use Documentation as reference while coding.

Expect 1 2 weeks to feel comfortable with syntax and types if you know Python or JavaScript. Expect another few weeks for structs, enums, generics, traits, and native builds.

Common difficulties

When V++ is not the right choice

• You need a mature package ecosystem (use Python, Node, or Rust).
• You need mobile, WebAssembly, or embedded targets today (not primary focus).
• You need Linux/macOS prebuilt native bundles today (Windows installer is fully supported).

Next steps

• Install
• First program
• Language overview
• Full documentation

Install V++

Windows (recommended)

1. Download vpp-1.0.4-setup.exe from GitHub Releases.

2. Run the installer. If Windows SmartScreen appears, choose More info → Run anyway.

3. Open a new terminal:

vpp run examples\hello.vpp
vpp check examples\hello.vpp
vpp --version
# Verify your install
vpp doctor

If vpp is not found, add the install folder to PATH:

$dir = "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Programs\vpp"
[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", $env:Path + ";$dir;$dir\llvm\bin", "User")
# Restart terminal after updating PATH
vpp --version
vpp doctor

Restart the terminal.

CMake

The installer includes cmake/FindVpp.cmake and cmake/Vpp.cmake under your install folder (same directory as vpp.exe). See CMake integration.

VS Code extension

1. Extensions → search V++ Language

2. Publisher must be vpp lang (version 1.2.1)

3. Marketplace link

See VS Code setup.

Portable zip (advanced)

Download vpp-v1.0.4-windows-x64.zip, extract, run GO.bat or add the folder to PATH manually.

Linux / macOS

Interpreter and LSP work from source today. Prebuilt native bundles for Unix are improving see GitHub Releases when available, or build from source.

Build from source

See Building from source.

Requirements

V++ language overview

V++ combines readable syntax with static typing and optional native compilation.

Design goals

• Readable minimal punctuation, familiar control flow
• Typed catch errors before run; infer locals, explicit function signatures
• Fast iteration vpp run interpreter for development
• Native when needed vpp build produces standalone .exe files

Quick syntax map

Formal spec: SPEC.md.

FAQ

First program

Create a file named hello.vpp:

fn main() -> int {
    print("v++ program started")
    return 0
}
// Run: vpp run main.vpp

Every executable entry point is fn main() -> int. The return value is the process exit code (0 = success).

Run (interpreter)

vpp run hello.vpp
vpp check hello.vpp
vpp --version
# Verify your install
vpp doctor

Uses the built in interpreter no compile step. Best for learning and quick iteration.

Type check only

vpp check hello.vpp
vpp run hello.vpp
vpp fmt hello.vpp
vpp test
vpp build src/main.vpp -o app.exe

Reports type errors without running. Use this in CI or before committing.

Compile to native

vpp build hello.vpp -o hello.exe
.\hello.exe
./app.exe
vpp run app.vpp
vpp test

Requires LLVM and clang on your PATH. Produces a standalone .exe with no V++ runtime dependency.

Commands summary

Next: Your first project.

Your first V++ project

Scaffold

vpp new myapp --path myapp
cd myapp
vpp run
vpp test
vpp build src/main.vpp -o myapp.exe

Creates:

myapp/
  vpp.toml
  src/main.vpp
  tests/smoke.vpp
# ...

Run

vpp run
vpp --version
vpp doctor
vpp run examples/hello.vpp
vpp check examples/hello.vpp

Runs the entry in vpp.toml (default src/main.vpp).

Test

vpp test
vpp run
vpp check src/main.vpp
vpp --version
# Inline test blocks supported

Runs test blocks in tests/ and inline tests.

Add a dependency

vpp add hello-lib --version 0.1.0
vpp update
vpp install
vpp run
vpp test

See Package manager.

VS Code setup for V++

Install

1. Install the compiler (install guide).

2. Install extension V++ Language (publisher: vpp lang).

Run code

1. Open a folder with .vpp files.

2. Open a file bottom right should say V++.

3. Press F5 or Ctrl+Shift+R to run the active file.

Language server (IntelliSense)

Build vppls once (or use a release that includes it):

cargo build --release --features lsp --bin vppls
vpp --version
vpp doctor
vpp run examples/hello.vpp
vpp check examples/hello.vpp

Settings (File → Preferences → Settings, search vpp):

Commands

See also: Language server, Troubleshooting.