CMake 3.31.5

CMake, developed by Bill Hoffman, is an open-source cross-platform tool designed to build, test, and package software projects. It is widely used in C and C++ projects to manage the build process efficiently. CMake allows developers to generate native build scripts and configuration files for various platforms, including Unix, Linux, Windows, and macOS.

One of the key features of CMake is its compatibility with different build environments such as Makefiles, Ninja, Visual Studio, and Xcode. This flexibility enables developers to work seamlessly across multiple platforms without having to modify their build scripts constantly.

With CMake, users can create complex build hierarchies with ease using a simple declarative language. This allows for better organization of build settings and dependencies, resulting in faster development cycles and improved project maintainability.

Moreover, CMake supports out-of-source builds, which means that it keeps the source directory clean from build artifacts. This separation simplifies the build process and makes it easier to switch between different build configurations without cluttering the source tree.

Another advantage of CMake is its integrated support for testing frameworks such as CTest and CPack. Developers can automate the testing process and create distributable packages effortlessly using these built-in tools.

Furthermore, CMake has a large community of users and contributors who actively provide support, develop plugins, and share best practices. This vibrant ecosystem ensures that developers have access to resources and assistance whenever they encounter issues or need guidance on using the tool effectively.

• In conclusion, CMake by Bill Hoffman is a powerful build automation tool that simplifies the development process for C and C++ projects. With its cross-platform compatibility, flexible build environment support, intuitive language syntax, out-of-source build capability, testing integration, and active community participation, CMake remains a top choice for software developers looking to streamline their build workflows.