MSBuild vs CMake

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.

MSBuild

MSBuild

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.

Categories:
Development Build Tools
build automation microsoft net

MSBuild Features

  1. XML-based build scripts
  2. Incremental and clean builds
  3. NuGet package restore
  4. Multi-targeting and multi-platform support
  5. Extensible and customizable via tasks

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

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

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.

Categories:
Development Build Tools
build compile crossplatform open-source

CMake Features

  1. Cross-platform build system
  2. Generate native makefiles and workspaces
  3. Support multiple compilers and IDEs
  4. Modular architecture
  5. Customizable and extensible

Pricing

  • Open Source

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