Which C++ library should I use for Godot?

For C++ development with Godot, you should use godot-cpp, the official C++ bindings for Godot’s GDExtension API.

Recommended library: godot-cpp

• godot-cpp is the officially maintained C++ binding layer that lets you write GDExtensions in C++ without recompiling the engine.
• It mirrors Godot’s internal C++ API closely, so if you know how things work in GDScript/C#/engine docs, the C++ usage feels very similar.
• It supports all the scripting-level features GDScript and C# have, plus some extra low‑level access for performance‑critical code.

When to use godot-cpp vs C++ modules

Godot supports two main ways to use C++:

• GDExtension + godot-cpp (recommended for most games/plugins)

• You compile your code as a dynamic library (.dll/.so/.dylib).

• No need to rebuild Godot itself.

• Easy to distribute and update.

• Works with any C++ compiler/version thanks to the C API bridge.

• C++ modules (advanced, engine‑level work)

• You modify and recompile the Godot engine source.

• Gives deeper integration (e.g., new engine subsystems, editor extensions that need tight coupling).

• More complex build and distribution.

For typical game logic, custom nodes, performance‑critical systems, or third‑party library bindings, godot-cpp + GDExtension is the right choice.

Basic setup outline

Typical workflow:

1. Add godot-cpp as a submodule or dependency in your project.
2. Generate the extension API JSON from your Godot version:

godot --dump-extension-api

3. Build godot-cpp against that API using SCons:

cd godot-cpp
scons platform=<your_platform> custom_api_file=../extension_api.json

4. Write your C++ classes using godot-cpp, register them with GDCLASS, _bind_methods, and ClassDB, then compile your extension as a shared library.

If you tell me your Godot version (e.g., 4.3, 4.4) and target platform, I can give exact commands and a minimal project layout.