How to Set Up a Basic Cmake Project Step-by-step in 2025?

CMake is widely used in modern software development for managing builds across different platforms. Learning to set up a CMake project is essential for developing applications efficiently. This step-by-step guide will help you create a basic CMake project.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have the following: - A C++ compiler (like GCC, Clang, or MSVC) - CMake installed on your system (download here) - A text editor or IDE of your choice

Step 1: Create Project Structure

Start by creating the directory structure for your project. This helps keep the project organized.

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mkdir MyCMakeProject
cd MyCMakeProject
mkdir src

Step 2: Write the C++ Code

Create a simple C++ program in the src directory.

src/main.cpp

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#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, CMake World!" << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Step 3: Create a CMakeLists.txt File

The CMakeLists.txt file is the core of your project configuration. Create it in the root of your project directory.

CMakeLists.txt

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cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.18)
project(MyCMakeProject)

# Specify the C++ standard
set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD 17)

# Add the executable target
add_executable(MyCMakeProject src/main.cpp)

Step 4: Generate Build Files

With your CMakeLists.txt file in place, you can now generate the build files for your project.

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cmake -S . -B build

This command configures the project and places the build files in a directory named build.

Step 5: Build the Project

Navigate to the build directory and compile the project.

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cmake --build build

This will compile your source code and create an executable.

Step 6: Run the Executable

After a successful build, run the executable to see the output.

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./build/MyCMakeProject

You should see the output: Hello, CMake World!

Additional Resources

To deepen your understanding of CMake and explore advanced features, check out these tutorials: - How to Use find_package in CMake - How to Add -l (ell) Compiler Flag in CMake - How to Create a Shared Library Using Object Library - How to Use check_library_exists in CMake - How to Link Glad Using CMake

Conclusion

Setting up a basic CMake project in 2025 follows a straightforward process. With practice, you can leverage CMake’s advanced functionalities to manage builds in more complex projects. Always ensure your CMake version is up-to-date to take advantage of the latest features.

Happy coding! “`

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