Side by side
CodePen vs Compiler Explorer
Both stand on code playground software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIWeb
CodePen offers a browser-based way to write and share front-end code, with collaboration and deployment tools. Keep its public-by-default content and shared-link visibility in mind when choosing a plan.
Visit CodePen
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
Compiler Explorer combines multi-language compilation views, execution controls, sharing, and API access in one free service. Check the Windows library limitation and AI data handling before using it for a particular workflow.
Visit Compiler ExplorerThe facts
| CodePen | Compiler Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Starter: $8 a month | Warm fuzzy glow: $1 a month |
| Plans published | 4 | 4 |
| Maker | CodePen | Compiler Explorer |
| Website | codepen.io | godbolt.org |
| On code playground software | #8 of 58 | #4 of 58 |
CodePen: what it does well
- Real-time previews for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Supports a range of HTML and CSS preprocessors.
- Includes collaboration and version history.
- Free plan has unlimited public Pens.
- Pens can be embedded on other websites.
What to know first
- Pens and Projects are public by default.
- Shared URLs let others view private Pens and Collections.
- No self-hosted version.
Compiler Explorer: what it does well
- Supports 30+ programming languages
- Shows assembly, LLVM IR, Rust MIR, and ASTs
- Runs and links compiled code
- Offers sharing and local-file saving
- Provides REST API and self-hosting instructions
What to know first
- Windows-based compilers do not support libraries
- Claude Explain sends code to Anthropic
- No free trial listed
Alternatives to CodePen Alternatives to Compiler Explorer The whole list