MSBuild vs CMake

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

MSBuild icon
MSBuild
CMake icon
CMake

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between MSBuild and CMake? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

MSBuild is a Development solution with tags like build, automation, microsoft, net.

It boasts features such as XML-based build scripts, Incremental and clean builds, NuGet package restore, Multi-targeting and multi-platform support, Extensible and customizable via tasks and pros including Integrated into Visual Studio, Cross-platform, Powerful extensibility, Wide adoption in .NET ecosystem.

On the other hand, CMake is a Development product tagged with build, compile, crossplatform, open-source.

Its standout features include Cross-platform build system, Generate native makefiles and workspaces, Support multiple compilers and IDEs, Modular architecture, Customizable and extensible, and it shines with pros like Simplifies build process across platforms, Compiler-independent builds, Large user and developer community, Widely used and well-supported, Highly customizable.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Why Compare MSBuild and CMake?

When evaluating MSBuild versus CMake, both solutions serve different needs within the development ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

MSBuild and CMake have established themselves in the development market. Key areas include build, automation, microsoft.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between MSBuild and CMake significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include build, automation, microsoft, net.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include build, automation and build, compile.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between MSBuild and CMake. You might also explore build, automation, microsoft for alternative approaches.

Feature MSBuild CMake
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Development Development
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

MSBuild
MSBuild

Description: MSBuild is an XML-based build automation tool developed by Microsoft. It is used to build applications and solutions across various .NET languages and platforms like .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono. MSBuild handles project builds, clean builds, packaging, publishing, and more.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

CMake
CMake

Description: CMake is an open-source, cross-platform tool designed to build, test, and package software. It works by generating native makefiles and workspaces to automate the build process using a compiler-independent method.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

MSBuild
MSBuild Features
  • XML-based build scripts
  • Incremental and clean builds
  • NuGet package restore
  • Multi-targeting and multi-platform support
  • Extensible and customizable via tasks
CMake
CMake Features
  • Cross-platform build system
  • Generate native makefiles and workspaces
  • Support multiple compilers and IDEs
  • Modular architecture
  • Customizable and extensible

Pros & Cons Analysis

MSBuild
MSBuild
Pros
  • Integrated into Visual Studio
  • Cross-platform
  • Powerful extensibility
  • Wide adoption in .NET ecosystem
Cons
  • XML build scripts can be verbose
  • Steep learning curve
  • Not as fast as other build tools
CMake
CMake
Pros
  • Simplifies build process across platforms
  • Compiler-independent builds
  • Large user and developer community
  • Widely used and well-supported
  • Highly customizable
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Complex syntax and concepts
  • Poor documentation
  • Limited IDE integration on some platforms
  • Build times can be slow for large projects

Pricing Comparison

MSBuild
MSBuild
  • Free
  • Open Source
CMake
CMake
  • Open Source

Get More Information

MSBuild
MSBuild
MSBuild
Learn More About MSBuild
CMake
CMake
CMake
Learn More About CMake

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