Why raylib is too heavy?

[withlimon]

Raylib is much larger than LÖVE2D,Godot.
Can anyone tell me why is too heavy?
Can I install raylib without MinGW?
If yes, then how?

[Bartuniooo]

Raylib itself is actually not “heavy” compared to full engines like LÖVE2D or Godot. The repository may look larger because it includes:

All core modules (graphics 2D/3D, audio, input, math, etc.)

A large collection of examples

Platform-specific code

Build files and bindings for many languages

Unlike Godot or LÖVE2D, raylib is a C library, not a complete engine with an editor. The size you see on GitHub includes everything needed to build and use it across different platforms.

As for MinGW — no, it is not required.

You can use raylib without MinGW. On Windows, you can:

Build it with Visual Studio (MSVC)

Use CMake with MSVC or Clang

Install it via vcpkg

Use precompiled binaries

MinGW is just one of the available toolchains, not a requirement.

So yes, you can absolutely install and use raylib without MinGW — just choose another compiler toolchain like MSVC.

[Peter0x44]

The installer includes a toolchain, notepad++, raylib source, etc.
You don't need to use it.

[Peter0x44]

@orcmid I guess it includes everything but the kitchen sink.

Raylib.com should really have an equally-obvious link to the releases page on github.

Also it's getting to the point where Steam OS, not Windows, should be the primary target for a quickstart bundle.

Steam OS is for running games, not programming them. Valve offer proton for a reason.

[wwderw]

@Peter0x44
Steam OS is for running games, not programming them. Valve offer proton for a reason.

Well, in essence really be targeting Arch, if targeting SteamOS (I think it used to be Debian based, but now Arch, I think Manjaro specifically).

Proton is just a layer to run Windows games on Linux (based on WINE).

[dc1248]

@Peter0x44 You can use a Steam Deck or Steam Machine as a PC. The store isn't just for games, people sell all kinds of tools on there, especially for gamedev and streaming. It could help beginners get started and help Ray make money. He could offer a free version and a paid version for people who want to support Raylib.

[Peter0x44]

People who want to support raylib can do it through GitHub sponsors, where the cut is less than steam's 30%. Steam isn't needed. Despite that, Ray does sell some tools on steam.

You can use a Steam Deck or Steam Machine as a PC.

Yes you can, but how many do this? A tiny minority.
Certainly not to the point where "steam OS should be a primary target for a (developer) quick start bundle"