Minimal CMake: Learn the best bits of CMake to create and share your own libraries and applications

Design, build, and share cross-platform software effortlessly, and enhance your development workflow with this hands-on guide

Key Features

Unlock efficient cross-platform builds with streamlined CMake setupsLearn CMake's most powerful features for streamlined software development from a seasoned game and engine developerCreate and distribute an application with step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and working code
Book Description

Minimal CMake guides you through creating a CMake project one step at a time. The book utilizes the author's unique expertise in game and engine development to craft compelling examples of how CMake can be used to build complex software. The chapters introduce concepts gradually, each one building on the last. Throughout the course of the book, you will progress from a simple console application all the way through to a full windowed app.

The book will help you build a strong foundation in CMake that will translate to future projects. You'll learn how to integrate existing software libraries to enhance your app's functionality, how to build reusable libraries to share with others, and how to manage developing for multiple platforms simultaneously, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. You'll also find out how CMake facilitates testing and how to package your application ready for distribution.

The book aims to not overwhelm you with everything there is to know about CMake. Instead, it focuses on the most relevant and important parts that will help you become productive quickly.

By the end of this book, you will be a confident CMake user and will have gained the skills and experience to build and share your own libraries and applications.

What you will learn

Set up projects for seamless cross-platform developmentIntegrate external libraries to enhance your project's functionalityCreate and share reusable librariesManage complex software dependencies for improved maintainabilityPackage and distribute applications efficientlyUtilize top tools to streamline your CMake workflowExplore resources for continuous learning
Who this book is for

If you are a programmer skilled in C, C++, Swift, Objective-C, or C#, and keen on cross-platform development and open-source software, this book is for you. A solid grasp of CMake helps you to effectively utilize and create open-source libraries and applications. No prior knowledge of CMake is necessary, though familiarity with an imperative programming language (especially C and C++) is beneficial. While a basic understanding of the terminal is advantageous, comprehensive setup instructions will guide you across Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu).