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CodePad v0.1.0 - Pre-Release

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@treytomes treytomes released this 02 May 22:04
· 137 commits to main since this release
v0.1.0
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CodePad v0.1.0 - Pre-Release

Release Date: May 2, 2026

We're excited to announce the first pre-release of CodePad - a cross-platform code scratchpad inspired by LINQPad for rapid C# prototyping and experimentation!

🎉 What is CodePad?

CodePad is a lightweight desktop application that lets you write, execute, and visualize C# code instantly without creating projects or managing build configurations. Perfect for:

  • Quick prototyping - Test ideas in seconds
  • Learning C# - Experiment with language features
  • Code snippets - Build a personal library of reusable code
  • Data exploration - Use .Dump() to visualize objects

✨ Headline Features

1. LINQPad-style .Dump() Extension

The killer feature - automatically format any object as beautiful JSON output:

var person = new { Name = "Alice", Age = 30, City = "Seattle" };
person.Dump("Person Details");

var users = new[] { new { Id = 1, Name = "Bob" }, new { Id = 2, Name = "Carol" } };
users.Dump("User List");

.Dump() works with:

  • Anonymous objects
  • Arrays and collections
  • Complex nested structures
  • Primitive values
  • Custom classes

Method chaining supported for LINQ pipelines!

2. Built-in Samples

Learn by example with 12 categorized samples:

  • Getting Started - Hello World, variables, LINQ basics
  • .Dump() Extension - Object inspection, arrays, method chaining
  • Long-Running Tasks - Thread.Sleep, async operations
  • Output Formats - Tables, markdown, complex objects

3. Execution Control

  • Configurable timeout - Set limits or disable for indefinite execution
  • Stop button - Cancel long-running code immediately
  • Real-time output - Streaming results as code executes
  • Live timing - Millisecond counter during execution

4. Smart Window Management

  • Persistent state - Window size, position, and maximized state remembered
  • Multi-display safe - Automatically repositions if displays change
  • Resizable panels - Sidebar and output heights saved

5. Snippet Library

Organize and access your code:

  • Save unlimited snippets
  • Star favorites for quick access
  • Recently opened tracking (last 5)
  • Search by name
  • Import/Export for sharing
  • Unsaved changes tracking with warnings

🔧 Technical Highlights

  • No external tools required - Uses dotnet build (part of .NET SDK)
  • Monaco Editor - Same editor as VS Code with IntelliSense
  • SQLite storage - Fast, reliable snippet persistence
  • Cross-platform - Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Automated E2E tests - Playwright + Electron testing
  • CI/CD pipeline - GitHub Actions for quality assurance

📋 System Requirements

  • .NET SDK 8.0 or later - Download here
  • Windows 10+ / macOS 10.15+ / Linux (modern distro)

🚀 Getting Started

  1. Download the installer for your platform from Releases
  2. Install .NET SDK 8.0+ if not already installed
  3. Run CodePad
  4. Try the samples (click Samples tab)
  5. Press F5 to execute code

📸 Screenshots

CodePad Main Interface

⚠️ Known Limitations

This is a pre-release focused on C# execution:

  • C# only - Python/JavaScript coming in Phase 2
  • No NuGet packages - External dependencies not yet supported
  • Dark theme only - Light theme in Phase 2
  • Single snippet at a time - Tabs coming in Phase 2

🐛 Bug Reports & Feedback

Found a bug or have a suggestion?

🙏 Acknowledgments

Inspired by LINQPad by Joseph Albahari - the gold standard for .NET scratchpads.

Built with:

  • Electron 30
  • React 19
  • Monaco Editor
  • TypeScript 6
  • Ant Design

Special thanks to the open-source community and early testers!

📅 What's Next (Phase 2)

  • NuGet package support
  • Multi-language support (Python, JavaScript)
  • Light theme
  • Multiple tabs
  • Database connectivity
  • Enhanced output visualization

Download CodePad v0.1.0: Releases Page

Documentation: GitHub Wiki

Source Code: GitHub Repository

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