The CMake Tutorial

Shortcut Your Path to Building C++ Code like a Pro

Programmers know that horrible feeling. You're trying to achieve something that should be simple, and simply cannot figure out how to do it. Hours turn into days, and then finally you find the solution. And yes, that solution was simple. Big sigh of relief!

That was me with CMake. Time and time again.

CMake is a powerful build tool for C/C++, but can be an absolute pain to use. Scouring the internet for hours each time you need to modify your CMakelists.txt file is hard work. Even worse, you often end up learning the "wrong" (old) way of doing things. There are plenty of old and downright bad CMake tutorials and examples out there... It'll Save You Days (and possibly Months)

I've taken everything I learnt, and distilled it down to the essentials. The "Learn Modern CMake by Example" book/course will save you days (and possibly months) of time and frustration, by teaching you the correct (modern) ways to perform the most common build tasks.

It's the book/course that I wish I had when I was learning how to use CMake.

Deliberately Short & Focused on Results

The CMake Tutorial is deliberately short, and focused sharply on making CMake do what you need it to. It doesn't cover every nook and cranny (of CMake), nor does it bog you down with endless theory and backstory. Your time is valuable, so it's designed to get you up and running quickly.

No drowning you with details on every single CMake feature (that's what the official documentation is for). It's got only the bits you're most likely to need, which have been organized for fast learning. Learn Without Breaking the Bank

A CMake course could set you back $1350 USD. Yes, it's a valuable skill. The CMake Tutorial won't cost you anywhere near as much. Not even half! I know you won't be making the big bucks at the start of your career, and I also know what it's like to be scratching out a living. So, The CMake Tutorial has been priced so it's affordable to those who are getting started.

What You'll Learn in The CMake Tutorial - CMakelists.txt files & how CMake works - Compiling multiple source files into one program - Using third-party libraries - Using non-CMake third-party libraries - Using pre-compiled third-party libraries - Choosing the C++ standard version, and other settings - Setting per-compiler flags - Creating static and dynamic libraries - Compiling debug and release versions - Tackling larger projects (multi-directory)