Build systems and build generators for C/C++ and other compiled languages:
-
Meson - Modern build system with Ninja backend
- Python-based configuration
- Fast configuration and builds
- Growing adoption in open source projects
-
Autotools (GNU Build System)
- Traditional Unix build system
- autoconf, automake, libtool
- Maximum portability across Unix systems
-
Bazel - Google’s build system
- Fast, scalable builds
- Multi-language support
- Hermetic, reproducible builds
-
Buck2 - Meta’s build system
- Large-scale monorepo support
- Fast incremental builds
- Multi-platform
- Visual Studio - Microsoft’s IDE with built-in build system
- Xcode - Apple’s IDE for macOS/iOS development
- CLion - JetBrains C/C++ IDE with CMake integration
- Conan - C/C++ package manager with build integration
- vcpkg - Microsoft’s C++ library manager
- CPack - CMake’s built-in packaging tool (not an alternative, but related)
CMake is the best choice when you need:
- Cross-platform C/C++ builds (Linux, macOS, Windows)
- IDE project generation
- Industry-standard tooling
- CPack for installer generation
- Large ecosystem of Find modules