- Qt Creator Documentation
- Use compilation databases
- Qt Creator 20.0.0-beta1

Use Development Containers ◦ Using the MCP server

# Use compilation databases

The JSON compilation database format specifies how to replay single builds independently of the build system.

A compilation database is basically a list of files and the compiler flags that are used to compile the files. The database is used to feed the code model with the necessary information for correctly parsing the code when you open a file for editing.

To open a compilation database as a project, go to File > Open Project and select a compilation database JSON file.

To generate a compilation database from the information that the code model has, go to Build > Run Generator and select Compilation Database.

You can add files, such as non-C files, to the project in `compile_database.json.files`.

You can use the experimental Compilation Database Project Manager to open the files in a compilation database with access to all the editing features of the Clang code model.

Note: Enable the Compilation Database Project Manager plugin to use it.

To switch between header and source files, select Tools > C++ > Switch Header/Source.

You can specify custom build steps and run settings for compilation database projects in the Projects mode.

See also Enable and disable plugins, Add custom build steps, Configure projects for running, Code Model, and Building and running projects.

Use Development Containers ◦ Using the MCP server