Is Compiler Explorer Free to Use?

Updated

Yes. The Compiler Explorer page shows no pricing, subscription, or payment requirement anywhere. It presents itself as an interactive online compiler that displays the assembly output of compiled C++, Rust, Go, and many other languages, and every feature visible on the page — compiling, sharing, embedding, and switching compilers — is offered without a paywall or login gate. The only money-related links are voluntary support options: Become a Patron, Sponsor on GitHub, Donate via PayPal, and a Compiler Explorer Shop.

What you can use without paying

The page evidence lists these capabilities as part of the normal interface:

  • Compile and inspect output — compile to binary object, link to binary, or execute the code, and view output panes such as Preprocessor, AST, LLVM IR, Opt Pipeline, Control Flow Graph, and language-specific views like Rust MIR/HIR, GHC Core/STG/Cmm, and GNAT debug trees.
  • Share results — Share Short Link, Full Link, and Embed in iframe.
  • Save and reload — Hello Save/Load and Add new…, plus a History panel.
  • Adjust the environment — Add tool…, Libraries, Overrides, compiler flags, stdin, and runtime tools.
  • Work without JavaScript — the page states that without JavaScript the regular website is not functional, and links to a noscript version.

How to get started

  1. Open compiler-explorer.com in a browser with JavaScript enabled (otherwise use the noscript version).
  2. Pick a language and compiler in the left-hand pane.
  3. Type or paste code into the Source Editor.
  4. Press Compile (or Execute, if you want to run it) and read the assembly or other output on the right.
  5. Use Share Short Link or Full Link to send the exact code, compiler, and flags to someone else, or Embed in iframe to place it in a page.

Expected result: you see the compiler's output for your code without creating an account or entering payment details.

Common snags

  • Blank or broken interface — JavaScript is required for the regular site; switch to the noscript version if you cannot enable it.
  • A tool is unavailable — the page notes "The current language or compiler does not support this tool," so some output panes only appear for certain language/compiler combinations.
  • Output looks cluttered — use the Filters and Options controls (for example Demangle identifiers, Intel asm syntax, Hide Library Functions, Hide Debug Info) to reduce noise.

If you want to support it

Donations are optional and separate from usage. The page lists Patreon, GitHub Sponsors, PayPal, and a shop, along with a mailing list, wiki, and GitHub source for anyone who wants to contribute or follow development.