CMake is a cross-platform build system generator that abstracts compiler and build tool differences. It generates native build files (Makefiles, Ninja, Visual Studio projects, etc.) and provides packaging capabilities through CPack.
- Cross-platform builds - Generate native build systems for Linux, macOS, Windows
- Build generator - Creates Makefiles, Ninja files, IDE project files
- CPack packaging - Built-in packaging for deb, rpm, NSIS, and more
- Find modules - Automatic dependency discovery and configuration
- Modern target-based - Target-centric build configuration
- Presets - Standardized build, test, and package configurations
- Multi-platform C/C++ projects - Single build definition across operating systems
- Enterprise software distribution - CPack for installer generation
- Library development - Exportable CMake configs for downstream consumers
- CI/CD pipelines - Consistent builds across different CI runners
- IDE integration - Generate Visual Studio, Xcode, CLion projects
- Language: C++
- Generated outputs: Makefiles, Ninja, Visual Studio, Xcode, etc.
- Packaging: CPack (deb, rpm, pkg, NSIS, etc.)
- Scripting: CMake language for build configuration
- ✅ Actively maintained by Kitware
- Industry standard for C/C++ build systems
- Regular releases with modern features
¶ History and References
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