XInputlib

XInputlib is a software library that provides a cross-platform wrapper around the XInput API, designed to simplify development of applications and games that use game controllers. The library exposes a high-level interface for querying connected devices, reading controller state, and sending commands to force feedback devices, while abstracting platform-specific details behind a consistent API.

Key features include device enumeration, polling or event-based state updates for buttons, axes, triggers, and hats, dead-zone handling, and vibration control. It also supports input remapping, custom action profiles, and the ability to map nonstandard controllers to a common control scheme. The library is structured with a core API in C and language bindings or wrappers for languages such as C++, Python, and Rust.

Backend design typically includes platform adapters: on Windows, a XInput-based backend; on other platforms, alternative backends using HID, evdev, or similar systems. This modular backend approach lets developers write platform-agnostic code while relying on the appropriate underlying implementation.

Usage generally involves initializing the library, enumerating devices, and polling or subscribing to events for state changes; applications then query button states, read thumbstick positions, and issue vibration commands when needed. Licensing for XInputlib is commonly described as permissive, with releases provided under licenses such as MIT or BSD.

XInputlib is often hosted on collaborative repositories and welcomes contributions from the developer community. It is related to XInput and broader input-API ecosystems and serves as a bridge for applications requiring stable controller input across platforms.