> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hex-rays.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hex-rays.com/8.5/developer-guide/c++-sdk.md).

# C++ SDK

Our IDA SDK exposes API in the form of C++ libraries and header files, allowing you to create custom processor modules and plugins, automate tasks, or integrate new features directly into IDA. Our IDA API is defined and organized by the contents of the header files, that you can browse in our [IDA C++ SDK Reference](https://cpp.docs.hex-rays.com).

## Typical use cases

With IDA SDK, you can develop loaders for unsupported binary formats or custom processors modules to disassemble and analyze non-standard files. What's more, you can write plugins to perform complex, automated tasks and more, allowing you to go far beyong the basic IDC scripting.

## What to check next?

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>C++ SDK Getting Started</strong></td><td>Explore this guide to introduce yourself to the core capabilities of IDA SDK.</td><td></td><td><a href="/8.5/developer-guide/c++-sdk/c++-sdk-getting-started.md">Getting Started</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>C++ SDK Examples</strong></td><td>Try complex examples that show the full power and and flexibility of our SDK.</td><td></td><td><a href="/8.5/developer-guide/c++-sdk/c++-sdk-examples.md">Examples</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>C++ SDK Reference</strong></td><td>Check in-depth overview of header files with extensive description of data structures and functions.</td><td></td><td><a href="https://cpp.docs.hex-rays.com/8.5/index.html">https://cpp.docs.hex-rays.com/8.5/index.html</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Writing Plugins in C++</strong></td><td>Learn the best practices for creating plugins with IDA SDK</td><td></td><td><a href="/8.5/developer-guide/c++-sdk/how-to-create-a-plugin.md">How to create a plugin?</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## SDK Porting Guide

Check out our [Porting Guide](/8.5/developer-guide/c++-sdk/c++-sdk-porting-guide-ida-9.md), which is prepared to help you migrate and adapt your existing modules and plugins from IDA 8.x to IDA 8.5.


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