CMake
CMake is a free, open-source family of tools for building, testing, and packaging software.
What CMake is
CMake is a free, open-source family of tools for building, testing, and packaging software. It manages compilation through independent configuration files while using a project’s native build environment. A shared set of inputs can describe builds for different platforms, including Android, iOS, and high-performance computing systems. Its build support includes dependency handling, minimal rebuilds, Fortran and C++ modules, and multiple build trees from one source tree. CMake can target Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode. CPack creates installers for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and CMake also provides cross-platform installation. CTest runs project-defined tests, including parallel runs, and can send results to CDash. For debugging CMake code with third-party tools, it implements the Debug Adapter Protocol. Source and binary downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with SunOS binaries also available. Releases include SHA-256 hashes and PGP signatures. CMake is distributed under the BSD 3-clause License.
Good
- Free under the BSD 3-clause License
- One input set can describe multiple platform builds
- Supports Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode
- CTest supports parallel test runs
- CPack creates installers for Linux, Windows, and Mac
Watch out
- No free trial is listed
- Some third-party components have separate compatible licenses
Who it suits
CMake suits developers and teams building software across different platforms or working with multiple build systems. Its testing, packaging, installation, and debugging tools also serve projects that need those parts of the development process.
Verdict
CMake brings build configuration, testing, installation, and packaging tools into one cross-platform toolkit. Its broad build-system support may suit projects that need to target different platforms and environments.
Plans and prices
From CMake's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| CMake | Free | Open source · BSD 3-clause license |
| Pre-Paid CMake Support | $2,500, paid once | Services must be used within one year · Support ceiling of $2,500 · Price shown as $2,500 |
The facts
Each one read from CMake's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build configuration
- CMake manages compilation using simple, independent configuration files and works with the native build environment.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Build features
- CMake supports accurate dependencies, minimal rebuilds, Fortran and C++ modules, and multiple build trees per source tree.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Build systems and IDEs
- CMake supports target build systems including Visual Studio, Xcode, Ninja, Make, and VSCode.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Debugging
- CMake implements the Debug Adapter Protocol for interactive debugging of CMake code with third-party tools.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download page offers source and binary distributions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as SunOS binaries.checked 2 Oct 2026
- License
- CMake is distributed under the OSI-approved BSD 3-clause License, and its source tree includes third-party components with compatible licenses.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Packaging and installation
- Its CPack system creates cross-platform installers for Linux, Windows, and Mac, and CMake includes a cross-platform installation system.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CMake is an open source, cross-platform family of tools for building, testing, and packaging software.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Security and integrity
- The download page publishes SHA-256 cryptographic hashes and PGP signatures for releases.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- Kitware offers access to CMake experts for guidance, technical questions, and help resolving issues, with flexible support options.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Support terms
- Pre-paid support services must be used within one year of purchase; custom support sets a contract ceiling and invoices monthly for services used in the previous month.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Testing
- CTest runs tests specified in project source code, supports parallel runs, and can send results to CDash.checked 2 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Cross-platform builds
- A single set of input files can describe builds for multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, and high-performance computing systems.checked 2 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1998checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Clifton Park, New York, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker
- Kitware says it was founded in 1998 and began with an office in Clifton Park, New York.checked 2 Oct 2026
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