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Zep is a simple embeddable editor with a rendering agnostic design and optional Vim mode. It’s built as a modern C++ library that can be integrated as a single header, CMake library, or directly into your project source.

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What is Zep?

Zep provides a lightweight text editing component that can be embedded in game engines, developer tools, and live coding environments. The core library is dependency-free and requires only a modern C++14 compiler. Out of the box, Zep can render to:
  • ImGui windows - perfect for game engines
  • Qt widgets - ideal for desktop applications
  • Custom renderers via extensible display layer

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Key Features

Modal & Standard Editing

Choose between Vim-style modal editing or standard notepad-style editing modes

Syntax Highlighting

Built-in syntax highlighting engine that’s easy to extend with custom highlighters

Splits & Tabs

Organize your workspace with vertical/horizontal splits and tabbed windows

No Dependencies

Core library is completely dependency-free, cross-platform, and small

Theme Support

Switch between dark and light themes with customizable color schemes

Search & REPL

Ctrl+P fuzzy search and REPL mode for integrating scripting languages

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Why Use Zep?

Zep solves a common problem: you need a text editor component but don’t want the massive dependency of something like NeoVim. Zep is:
  • Small & Fast - Minimal footprint with no external dependencies
  • Embeddable - Drop it into your game engine or application
  • Vim-friendly - Use Vim keystrokes in your tools without frustration
  • Flexible - Single header, static library, or installed package
  • Modern - Built with modern C++14 and CMake

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Use Cases

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Game Engines

Embed a console or script editor directly in your game engine for live coding and debugging.

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Developer Tools

Add powerful text editing capabilities to your IDE, debugger, or custom development environment.

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Live Coding

Zep’s minimal mode is perfect for live coding environments where you need a responsive, distraction-free editor.

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Requirements

  • C++14 compiler or later
  • CMake 3.2 or later (for CMake builds)
  • Builds on:
    • Visual Studio 2017+
    • GCC 6+
    • Clang
    • Xcode on macOS
The core Zep library has zero dependencies. Only the demo applications require additional packages like SDL2 or Qt.

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What’s Next?

Installation

Get Zep installed in your project

Quick Start

Build your first editor in 5 minutes

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

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