Classic mode

vcpkg has two operation modes: classic mode and manifest mode. For most users, we recommend manifest mode.

In classic mode, vcpkg maintains a central installed tree inside the vcpkg instance built up by individual vcpkg install and vcpkg remove commands. This central set of packages can then be shared by any number of projects.

Because the set of installed packages is not associated with an individual project, classic mode operates similarly to tools like brew or apt. However, the set is still associated with a vcpkg instance, and each instance of vcpkg (such as separate git clone copies) will have its own set of classic mode packages installed.

To learn how to install dependencies in classic mode, see Tutorial: Install a dependency from the command line.