Panda Edit - Web-Based C++ IDE

A powerful C++ IDE that runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly technology. This is not just a syntax highlighter - it's a full-featured development environment with real C++ compilation and execution capabilities.

✨ Features

🚀 Real C++ Compilation

• Actual Clang Compiler: Uses real WebAssembly-based Clang/LLD binaries
• Live Compilation: Compile C++ code instantly in your browser
• Execution: Run compiled programs directly in the browser
• Error Handling: Detailed compiler output and error reporting

💻 Professional Editor

• Syntax Highlighting: Full C++ syntax highlighting with Ace Editor
• 40+ Themes: Extensive collection of professional editor themes
• Code Completion: Intelligent code completion and suggestions
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Customizable shortcuts for productivity

📁 File Management

• Local Storage: Persistent code saving in browser storage
• Default Templates: Pre-configured C++ templates for quick start
• File Operations: Create, edit, and manage C++ source files

🎨 Modern UI

• Dark Theme: Professional dark interface
• Split Layout: Editor and terminal areas for optimal workflow
• Responsive Design: Works on desktop and tablet browsers
• Status Indicators: Real-time compilation and execution status

🛠 Technology Stack

• Framework: Astro 5.15.5
• Package Manager: Bun
• Editor: Ace Editor
• Compiler: Clang/LLD WebAssembly
• Language: TypeScript
• Runtime: WebAssembly

🚀 Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Modern web browser with WebAssembly support
• Bun runtime (for development)

Installation

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/panda-edit.git
   cd panda-edit

2. Install dependencies

3. Start development server

4. Open in browser Navigate to http://localhost:4321

Production Build

The built files will be in the dist/ directory, ready for deployment.

📖 Usage

1. Write Code: Start writing C++ code in the editor
2. Compile: Click the Run button or use Ctrl+Enter
3. View Output: See compilation results and program output in the terminal
4. Save Work: Your code is automatically saved to browser storage

Example Code

Try this simple "Hello World" program:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, Panda Edit!" << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

🏗 Architecture

Core Components

• web.js: Main application class and UI management
• cpp_compiler.js: C++ compilation interface
• compiler_worker.js: Web Worker for WASM compilation
• shared.js: File management and utilities
• shortcuts.js: Keyboard shortcut system

WebAssembly Integration

• clang.wasm: C++ compiler binary
• lld.wasm: LLVM linker binary
• memfs.wasm: Memory filesystem
• sysroot.tar: System root environment

Build Process

graph LR
    A[C++ Source] --> B[Web Worker]
    B --> C[Clang WASM]
    C --> D[LLD WASM]
    D --> E[Executable]
    E --> F[Browser Execution]

🎯 Key Features Deep Dive

Real Compilation

Unlike online code editors that only provide syntax highlighting, Panda Edit actually compiles C++ code using the same Clang compiler used in professional development environments.

Browser-Based Execution

Compiled programs run directly in the browser using WebAssembly, providing a sandboxed yet powerful execution environment.

Professional Editor Experience

• Multiple cursor support
• Search and replace functionality
• Bracket matching
• Auto-indentation
• Multiple professional themes

🔧 Configuration

Environment Setup

The project uses Bunfig for package management configuration:

[install]
cache = false
frozen-lockfile = false

[deploy]
allowed-hostnames = ["https://registry.npmjs.org"]

Astro Configuration

Optimized for WebAssembly with proper CORS headers:

export default defineConfig({
  output: 'static',
  adapter: netlify(),
  vite: {
    server: {
      headers: {
        'Cross-Origin-Opener-Policy': 'same-origin',
        'Cross-Origin-Embedder-Policy': 'require-corp',
      }
    }
  }
});

🚀 Deployment

GitHub Pages

The project includes automated GitHub Pages deployment via GitHub Actions:

name: Deploy to GitHub Pages
on:
  push:
    branches: [main]
jobs:
  build-and-deploy:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - uses: oven-sh/setup-bun@v2
      - run: bun install
      - run: bun run build
      - uses: peaceiris/actions-gh-pages@v4
        with:
          github_token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
          publish_dir: ./dist

Manual Deployment

Build the project and deploy the dist/ folder to any static hosting service.

🤝 Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature-name
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly in the browser
5. Commit changes: git commit -m 'Add feature description'
6. Push to branch: git push origin feature-name
7. Open a Pull Request

Development Guidelines

• Maintain TypeScript strict mode compliance
• Test WebAssembly functionality thoroughly
• Ensure cross-browser compatibility
• Follow existing code style and patterns

🐛 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

WebAssembly Not Loading

• Ensure browser supports WebAssembly
• Check for CORS policy issues
• Verify proper headers are set

Compilation Errors

• Check C++ code syntax
• Ensure proper includes
• Review compiler output for details

Performance Issues

• Large compilations may take time
• Consider browser memory limitations
• Check developer console for errors

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🙏 Acknowledgments

• Ace Editor: For the excellent web-based code editor
• Clang/LLVM: For the powerful C++ compiler toolchain
• WebAssembly: For enabling native code execution in browsers
• Astro: For the modern static site framework
• Bun: For the fast JavaScript runtime

📞 Support

For issues, questions, or contributions:

• Open an issue on GitHub
• Check the troubleshooting section
• Review the code comments for additional context

Panda Edit - Bringing professional C++ development to your browser 🐼✨