Preface

Creating top-notch software isn't an easy task. Developers researching this subject online frequently have problems determining which advice is up to date and which approaches have already been superseded by fresher, better practices. At the same time, most resources explain this process chaotically, without the proper background, context, and structure.

Modern CMake for C++ is an end-to-end guide offering a simpler experience, as it treats building C++ solutions in a comprehensive manner. It teaches you how to use CMake in your CMake projects, and also shows you what makes them maintainable, elegant, and clean. It guides you through the automation of complex tasks appearing in many projects, including building, testing, and packaging.

The book instructs you on how to form the source directories, as well as build targets and packages. As you progress, you will learn how to compile and link executables and libraries, how these processes work in detail, and how to optimize all steps to achieve the best results. You'll also understand how to add external dependencies to the project: third-party libraries, testing frameworks, program analysis tools, and documentation generators. Finally, you'll explore how to export, install, and package your solution for internal and external purposes.

After completing this book, you'll be able to use CMake confidently on a professional level.