Xmake

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Score7.5

Rank#1 of 40

Free planNo

Runs onAndroid, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Xmake is a free, Lua-based build utility that can compile source code or generate project files. Its project scripts are handled by a dependency-free core written in C. For builds, it offers caching, parallel compilation, and dependency analysis, and supports mixed-language projects alongside custom rules, plugins, and modules. Its package tools manage C and C++ dependencies: `xmake require` works with a project, while `xrepo` handles global package commands. Xmake supports its own and user-built repositories as well as sources such as Conan, Conda, Vcpkg, Homebrew, and system package managers. For remote builds, it documents token and password authentication and server-side trusted-host checks. It can generate project files for major IDEs; documented plugins include VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, CLion, Zed, and Sublime. Installation guides cover Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and Android's Termux, and the documentation includes examples for iOS and Android applications. The project describes its concise configuration syntax as approachable for novices while retaining build-system flexibility.

Who it is for

Xmake may suit developers who want Lua-based build configuration with project generation, package management, or remote compilation. Its stated configuration approach is intended to be approachable for novices while retaining flexibility.

What is good

Builds source or generates project files.
Includes caching and parallel compilation.
Manages C/C++ dependencies through package commands.
Supports mixed-language projects and custom rules.
Documents token and password authentication for remote builds.

What to know first

Installation instructions do not cover iOS or Android.
Remote builds recommend token authentication for clients.
The project is maintained primarily in its creator’s spare time.

Verdict

Xmake combines source builds, project generation, package management, and remote compilation in a free, Lua-configured utility. Check its platform and IDE documentation against the tools you use.

Compared on build automation software

Free plan: Yesxmake.io
Build as code: Yesxmake.io
Dependency locking: Yesxmake.io
Build caching: Yesxmake.io
Remote execution: Yesxmake.io
Artifact packaging: Yesxmake.io
Supported operating systems: multi-platformxmake.io

Facts

Purpose: Xmake is a lightweight, cross-platform build utility based on Lua that can build source code or generate project files.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Core: Its Lua project scripts are driven by a dependency-free core program written in C.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Build speed: The homepage lists built-in caching, parallel compilation, and optimized dependency analysis among its build features.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Extensibility: Xmake supports custom rules, plugins, and modules, as well as mixed-language projects.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Package management: Xmake includes package management for integrating C/C++ dependencies, and its homepage names Conan and Vcpkg integrations.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Package commands: The xmake require command manages packages for the current project, while xrepo provides global package management commands.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Distributed builds: Xmake documents built-in distributed compilation and support for GCC, Clang, Windows, and MSVC.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Authentication: The distributed compilation guide recommends token authentication for connecting clients to build servers.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
IDE support: The homepage says Xmake can automatically generate project files for major IDEs.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Install platforms: The installation page gives instructions for Windows, Linux, and macOS.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Mobile targets: The documentation table of contents includes examples for iOS and Android applications.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Support: The site links to a community and GitHub and Gitee project pages for documentation and help.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
What it does: Xmake is a lightweight, cross-platform build utility based on Lua, with a dependency-free core written in C.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Build and project generation: Xmake can build source code directly or generate project files, and it includes package management for C/C++ dependencies.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Build performance: The homepage says Xmake uses built-in caching, parallel compilation, and optimized dependency analysis.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Package repositories: Xmake supports its official package repository, user-built repositories, and third-party sources including Conan, Conda, Vcpkg, Homebrew, and system package managers.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
IDE integrations: Officially documented IDE plugins include VS Code and IntelliJ IDEA/CLion; the docs also list Zed and Sublime plugins.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Platform support: The installation guide documents Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and Termux on Android.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Mobile targets: Build configuration examples cover Android and iPhoneOS targets.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Remote build security: Remote compilation supports token and password authentication, plus server-side trusted-host verification.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Installation caution: Xmake advises against root installation, describing it as insecure and warning of possible operating-system file errors when run as root.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Community and support: Xmake describes itself as a community-driven open-source project maintained primarily in the creator’s spare time and invites users to its community and sponsorship channels.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026
Intended users: The project introduction says Xmake’s concise configuration syntax is friendly to novices while retaining build-system flexibility.xmake.io · 3 Oct 2026