What is a Toolchain, & How Does CMake Fit Into It?

As requested by @default2043, this video explains what a toolchain is, and how CMake fits into the overall picture. CMake is the de facto standard build system for C++.
Click here for a summary:
keasigmadelta....
Want to learn how to build software with CMake? Head over to cmaketutorial....
#programming #tech #softwaredevelopment #cmake #cpp

[@adityavardhanjain]

What a cool explanation! I'm binge watching all these video this evening. Wonderful.

[@user-tc2ky6fg2o]

I just checked your website and saw that the book is not finished yet. Maybe it would be useful to mention other build configurations as well, which are platform-specific, vendor-specific, and the qmake to get a wider and more complete view for the readers of the topic. A short hello-world example of each one could be a nice bonus.

[@KeaSigmaDelta]

Thanks for the suggestion. The CMake Tutorial is about CMake, so I don't think it should cover alternative build systems beyond mentioning their existence. I could compare build systems elsewhere, though.

[@motionsmoments6254]

thanks for the explanation

[@KeaSigmaDelta]

Glad it was helpful.

[@user-tc2ky6fg2o]

I wish someone explained so clearly this years ago. Thank you very much! Am I correct if I assume that the configure/automake stuff is for the same purpose as CMake (but older and probably less advanced and non-multiplatform, etc?)

[@KeaSigmaDelta]

Yes, configure/automake is for the same purpose, but they're older and very unix/posix centric. I haven't heard of anyone using automake with Visual Studio as the compiler.

[@thepopeofhell3148]

Is Cmake thus a toolchain?

[@KeaSigmaDelta]

No. It's a front-end to the toolchain(s). CMake is effectively the first tool in the chain to go from source-code to working program.

[@UsatiyNyan]

CMake (a tool) is interchangeable, whilst toolchains may be substituted depending on the platform and your needs.

[@KeaSigmaDelta]

@@UsatiyNyan Exactly.