cmake-examples
A collection of minimal, modern CMake examples focused on understanding installation and project structure.
What is cmake-examples?
CMake Examples is a collection of minimal, modern CMake projects designed to help developers understand CMake's installation system and project configuration. It provides clear, working examples that demonstrate how to structure CMakeLists.txt files, manage dependencies, and create installable libraries. The project focuses on practical learning by breaking down complex CMake concepts into digestible examples.
C++ developers learning modern CMake, library authors needing to create installable packages, and anyone transitioning from legacy CMake practices to target-based approaches. It's particularly useful for those struggling with CMake's installation and find_package mechanisms.
Developers choose CMake Examples because it provides focused, minimal examples that actually work, unlike many overly complex tutorials. It emphasizes modern best practices and specifically addresses the confusing installation process that many CMake resources gloss over.
Overview
A collection of as simple as possible, modern CMake projects
Use Cases
Best For
- Learning modern CMake installation and packaging
- Understanding how find_package and project config files work
- Structuring CMake projects for both local development and distribution
- Managing dependencies with FetchContent and ExternalProject
- Creating libraries that work with both add_subdirectory and find_package
- Transitioning from legacy CMake to target-based approaches
Not Ideal For
- Production teams requiring comprehensive, error-free CMake templates with vendor support and extensive testing
- Developers seeking in-depth coverage of advanced CMake topics like cross-compilation or custom toolchain integration
- Projects that need real-time support or interactive learning via forums, as this is a static repository
Pros & Cons
Pros
Clearly demystifies CMake's install commands and package management, with dedicated examples showing how to create and use installable libraries, addressing a common pain point.
Emphasizes target-based approaches, generator expressions, and contemporary patterns over legacy methods, helping users transition to best practices as seen in the use of find_package with CONFIG.
Includes hands-on tips for generating compile_commands.json, setting DEBUG_POSTFIX, and using command-line defines, providing immediate value for real-world development workflows.
Recommends a consistent directory layout for libraries to work seamlessly with both find_package and FetchContent, reducing include path conflicts and improving modularity.
Cons
The disclaimer admits the author is not a CMake expert, and examples may contain errors, requiring users to cross-verify with official resources or community feedback.
Heavily focuses on installation and basic examples, potentially overlooking complex scenarios like multi-platform builds, testing integration, or performance optimization in larger projects.
Examples are kept simple to isolate concepts, which might not prepare users for the messy realities of legacy codebases or enterprise-scale build systems with custom requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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