CMake vs. Make

Attribute	CMake	Make
Build System	Build system generator	Build automation tool
Configuration	Uses CMakeLists.txt files	Uses Makefiles
Language	Uses CMake language	Uses Makefile language
Platform Support	Supports multiple platforms	Primarily for Unix-like systems
Dependency Management	Automatically handles dependencies	Requires manual dependency tracking

Introduction

Build automation tools are essential for software development projects to streamline the process of compiling code and managing dependencies. Two popular tools in this space are CMake and Make. While both tools serve the same purpose, they have distinct features and functionalities that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of CMake and Make to help developers choose the right tool for their projects.

Overview

Make is a traditional build automation tool that has been around for decades. It uses Makefiles, which are text files containing instructions for building software. Makefiles specify the dependencies between source files and the commands needed to compile them. On the other hand, CMake is a more modern build system generator that generates platform-specific build files (e.g., Makefiles, Visual Studio projects) based on a high-level CMakeLists.txt file.

Language Support

Make is primarily designed for compiling C and C++ code, although it can be used for other languages as well. Makefiles are written in a simple syntax that can be challenging to maintain for complex projects. In contrast, CMake supports a wide range of programming languages, including C, C++, Java, Python, and more. CMakeLists.txt files are written in a more structured and readable format, making it easier to manage large projects with multiple dependencies.

Platform Independence

Makefiles are platform-specific, meaning that they may need to be modified for different operating systems. This can be a significant drawback for projects that need to be built on multiple platforms. CMake, on the other hand, generates platform-specific build files based on the target platform, making it easier to maintain cross-platform compatibility. CMake also provides built-in support for cross-compilation, allowing developers to build software for different architectures without modifying the build configuration.

Dependency Management

Make relies on explicit rules defined in Makefiles to manage dependencies between source files. This can be error-prone and tedious, especially for projects with complex dependencies. CMake, on the other hand, uses a more sophisticated dependency tracking mechanism that automatically detects changes in source files and rebuilds the project accordingly. CMake also supports external package management tools like Conan and vcpkg, making it easier to integrate third-party libraries into the build process.

Extensibility

Make is a powerful tool for building software, but it lacks the extensibility and flexibility of CMake. CMake provides a rich set of features for customizing the build process, such as defining custom build targets, setting compiler flags, and configuring build options. CMake also supports plugins and modules that extend its functionality, allowing developers to integrate additional tools and workflows into the build system.

Community Support

Make has a long history and a large user base, which means that there is a wealth of resources and documentation available for developers. However, Make's syntax and design can be challenging for beginners to grasp. CMake, on the other hand, has gained popularity in recent years due to its ease of use and powerful features. The CMake community is active and vibrant, with a growing number of tutorials, forums, and plugins available to support developers using the tool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both CMake and Make are valuable tools for automating the build process in software development projects. Make is a reliable and time-tested tool that is well-suited for simple projects with straightforward build requirements. On the other hand, CMake offers a more modern and flexible approach to build automation, with support for a wide range of programming languages and platforms. Ultimately, the choice between CMake and Make will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the development team.