minimal_cmake_example
A minimal CMake example project covering sources, resources, dependencies, and packaging.
What is minimal_cmake_example?
Minimal CMake Example is a simple, educational CMake project that demonstrates how to configure a build system for a C++ project. It covers essential aspects like source organization, resource handling, external dependencies (e.g., Boost), and packaging, serving as a practical alternative to official CMake documentation.
C++ developers new to CMake or those looking for a straightforward, opinionated example of a modern CMake setup without unnecessary complexity.
It provides a clear, minimal template that focuses on the most important parts of a CMake configuration, avoiding advanced features that can complicate builds, making it easier to learn and adapt for real projects.
Overview
this tries to be a minimal cmake example, that covers sources resources dependencies and packaging.
Use Cases
Best For
- Learning CMake basics without wading through extensive documentation
- Setting up a new C++ project with a simple, single-file CMake configuration
- Understanding how to integrate external dependencies like Boost in CMake
- Creating a minimal build system example for teaching or reference
- Avoiding complex CMake features like generated configuration headers
- Packaging C++ projects with resources and dependencies
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring generated configuration headers or advanced conditional compilation
- Large, modular codebases where multiple CMakeLists.txt files are standard for organization
- Teams that rely on modern CMake best practices like target-based properties and transitive dependencies
Pros & Cons
Pros
Uses a single CMakeLists.txt file to manage all build aspects, making the entire configuration easy to view and maintain, as advocated in the README for better visibility.
Includes Boost as an external dependency to demonstrate real-world integration, providing a clear template for handling third-party libraries without overcomplication.
Avoids complex features like generated headers, focusing on core CMake concepts essential for getting a project up and running quickly, as stated in the philosophy.
Serves as an alternative to official documentation by emphasizing the most important setup steps, making it accessible for beginners or those overwhelmed by CMake's breadth.
Cons
Deliberately omits common CMake practices like generated headers and modular files, which can be necessary for larger or more complex projects, potentially leaving gaps in learning.
The README admits the build may fail if Boost isn't found, requiring manual intervention, which can be frustrating for users unfamiliar with CMake's dependency management.
The project's philosophy dismisses widely used techniques like configuration headers, which might not align with team standards or project needs that benefit from those features.
Frequently Asked Questions
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