pain

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PAIN — project manager for C++

PAIN is a zero-configuration C++ project manager designed to simplify modern C++ development. It combines instant project scaffolding with seamless dependency management, powered by vcpkg and modern CMake.

With PAIN, you can create clean C++20 projects, add libraries, and build your code in seconds — without dealing with complex setup or manual configuration.

• pain init my_app -> scafolds a project
• pain add raylib -> links raylib to ur project
• pain build -> build the project
• pain run -> run the build

as simple as that!

PAIN handles vcpkg setup, integration, and linking behind the scenes while still generating clean, portable CMake projects — so you stay in control without the usual friction.

No more linker errors. No more environment issues.

Just focus on writing code.

Because setting up C++ projects shouldn’t hurt this much.

[!CAUTION] Built because C++ package management was still stuck in the stone age.

Installation

Windows

Download the pre-compiled pain.exe from the latest release and add it to your system PATH.

Linux & macOS (Build from Source)

You can compile it into a native binary for your system using PyInstaller.

1. Install PyInstaller:

   pip install pyinstaller
   

2. Compile to a single executable:

   # Navigate to the repo root
   pyinstaller --onefile pain.py
   

3. Move the binary to your PATH:

   # Move the resulting binary from the 'dist' folder
   sudo mv dist/pain /usr/local/bin/
   

Quick Start

Once installed, you can manage your C++ projects with ease:

# Initialize a new C++ project
pain init my_app
cd my_app

# Add a library
pain add fmt

# Build and run the project
pain build
pain run

Features

• Transform C++ package management into a single-command experience.
• Easily manage dependencies with automated vcpkg.json mutation.
• Blazingly fast global binary caching (compile once, link instantly anywhere).
• Sane default settings for modern CMake (C++20).
• Regex-powered Auto-Linker that writes your target_link_libraries for you.

Requirements

• Git >= 2.19.0
• CMake >= 3.21
• A C++ Compiler (GCC, Clang, or MSVC)
• vcpkg (PAIN will install a copy using git)

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Acknowledgement

• @X3r0Day - reported and helped validate a command injection vulnerability.

License & Attribution

This project is licensed under the GPL-3.0 License.