Could you not just use a project directory template? All you need really is a .c(xx|pp|whatever) file, a Makefile, and then the workflow for a new idea is:

cd ~/src;

cp -R c-idea-template foobar;

cd foobar;

$EDITOR test.c*

and in your editor (say vim) just run :make

or write a .sh file with all of the above in it so it's just one step. No complex install procedure, you get all your normal tools and stuff.

Alternaitvely, create a 'test projects' git(hub) project, with the files you want in it, and create a new branch for each idea. That way you get backups as well.