CMake

CMake provides a cross‑platform build system that generates native build files from a single set of configuration scripts. It supports out‑of‑source builds, system introspection, and integrates testing and packaging tools, allowing developers to compile, test, and package software on many operating systems without rewriting build logic.

The tool is widely used for C++ projects and is the de‑facto standard for that language, handling complex dependency graphs and allowing multiple small libraries to be combined into larger applications. Its packaging component, CPack, and testing driver, CTest, enable automated deployment and verification workflows.

CMake is maintained by Kitware and contributors from academia and industry, and it offers documentation, training, and support services to help teams adopt and customize the system for their development pipelines.