Crow is a C++ microframework for building HTTP and WebSocket web services that emphasizes ease of use and performance.
Crow addresses the need for a lightweight, fast web framework in C++ by providing Flask-like routing that developers familiar with Python web frameworks will recognize immediately. The framework achieves high performance through careful implementation while maintaining an accessible API. It offers type-safe handlers that catch errors at compile time, built-in JSON support, and Mustache-based templating. The tool is distributed as a header-only library, eliminating complex build dependencies, and supports middleware for extending functionality.
Crow suits developers building REST APIs and web services in C++ who prioritize both development speed and runtime performance. It works well for projects ranging from small microservices to larger applications that need the efficiency of compiled code without sacrificing developer ergonomics. The framework is particularly valuable for teams already comfortable with Flask-style routing patterns. Developers should be aware that async support and HTTP/2 support remain under development, so projects with strict requirements for these features may need to evaluate alternatives or wait for their completion.
The project maintains active development with regular builds and test coverage tracking. The codebase uses modern C++ standards and incorporates well-established HTTP parsing libraries from Node.js and NGINX. Community engagement is supported through documentation, examples, and communication channels.
