# stb — Single-Header C Libraries for Graphics, Audio and More

> A collection of public-domain single-file C libraries by Sean Barrett covering image loading, font rendering, noise generation, and more.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# stb — Single-Header C Libraries for Graphics, Audio and More

## Quick Use
```c
// Just drop the header and define the implementation in ONE .c file
#define STB_IMAGE_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "stb_image.h"

int w, h, channels;
unsigned char *img = stbi_load("photo.png", &w, &h, &channels, 0);
// use img...
stbi_image_free(img);
```

## Introduction
stb is a collection of about 20 single-file, public-domain C libraries created by Sean Barrett. Each header is entirely self-contained: drop it into your project, define one implementation macro in a single translation unit, and you are done. No build system, no dependencies, no license headaches.

## What stb Does
- Loads and writes PNG, JPEG, BMP, TGA, HDR, and PSD images (stb_image / stb_image_write)
- Rasterizes TrueType fonts to bitmaps with optional SDF output (stb_truetype)
- Generates Perlin noise and cellular noise (stb_perlin)
- Provides a stretchy-buffer (dynamic array) for plain C (stb_ds)
- Implements Vorbis audio decoding and DXT texture compression

## Architecture Overview
Each library is a single `.h` file that acts as both interface and implementation. When you `#define STB_*_IMPLEMENTATION` before including it, the compiler emits the function bodies. Without the define, you get declarations only. This approach eliminates build-system coupling and keeps the libraries trivially embeddable in any C or C++ project.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- No installation needed — copy the headers you need into your source tree
- Public domain (or MIT licensed, your choice) so no attribution is required
- Configure via preprocessor defines before the include (e.g., `STBI_NO_JPEG` to strip JPEG support)
- Works with any C89+ or C++ compiler on any platform
- Compile the implementation in exactly one translation unit to avoid duplicate symbols

## Key Features
- Zero external dependencies for every library in the collection
- Battle-tested in thousands of commercial games and applications
- Tiny code size suitable for embedded and WASM targets
- Each library is independent — use only what you need
- Actively maintained with contributions from the community

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **lodepng** — PNG-only; stb_image handles multiple formats in one header
- **FreeType** — full-featured font engine but much larger and harder to integrate
- **libjpeg / libpng** — system libraries requiring separate build and linking
- **sokol** — similar single-header philosophy but focused on cross-platform graphics APIs
- **dr_libs** — single-file audio decoders (WAV, MP3, FLAC) that complement stb

## FAQ
**Q: Why single-header instead of a proper library?**
A: Single headers eliminate build-system friction. You can integrate stb into any project in seconds without CMake, Meson, or pkg-config.

**Q: Is stb_image production quality?**
A: Yes. It is used in major game engines, Raylib, Dear ImGui backends, and many AAA studios. It has been fuzzed extensively.

**Q: Can I use stb in C++ projects?**
A: Absolutely. The headers compile cleanly as C++ and are regularly tested with GCC, Clang, and MSVC in both C and C++ modes.

**Q: What is the license?**
A: Dual-licensed as public domain (Unlicense) and MIT. Choose whichever works for your legal requirements.

## Sources
- https://github.com/nothings/stb
- https://github.com/nothings/stb/blob/master/docs/stb_howto.txt

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