CMake vs qmake: Which One Should You Choose? 🔥
Today, let’s discuss CMake and qmake, two tools used for managing project builds, but they have significant differences!
💡 Design Philosophy
• CMake: It is a cross-platform build system generator that supports various compilers and build tools, such as Make, Ninja, Visual Studio, etc. It handles the build process by generating build files for different platforms (like Makefile or Visual Studio project files).
• qmake: This is provided by the Qt framework and is specifically designed for Qt projects. It generates Makefile or other build files primarily for building Qt projects.
🌐 Cross-Platform Support
• CMake: It has extensive platform and compiler support, making it suitable for any project, not limited to Qt projects. Its cross-platform capabilities are particularly strong, making it ideal for complex cross-platform projects!
• qmake: Mainly used for Qt projects, it can also be cross-platform, but it is not as robust as CMake.
✏️ Syntax and Usability
• CMake: Projects are configured using CMakeLists.txt files, and the syntax can be a bit complex, but it is extremely powerful and flexible. Its syntax resembles a programming language, making it suitable for projects that require high customization.
• qmake: Configuration is done using .pro files, with a simple and intuitive syntax that allows beginners to get up to speed quickly, especially for rapid builds of Qt projects.
🌐 Ecosystem
• CMake: It has a vast ecosystem that supports a wide range of third-party libraries and tools. It is favored by open-source projects and large enterprise projects.
• qmake: Primarily used within the Qt ecosystem, it is suitable for Qt developers. Nowadays, the Qt official recommendation is to use CMake, leading to a decline in the use of qmake.
👥 Community and Support
• CMake: The community is very active, and there is a wealth of documentation available. It is a reliable choice for long-term maintenance projects.
• qmake: The community is much smaller, mainly among Qt developers. As Qt increases its support for CMake, the use of qmake is decreasing.
🎯 Suitable Scenarios
• CMake: If your project requires cross-platform support, complex builds, and integration with other build systems, choosing CMake is definitely the right choice! It is also particularly suitable for non-Qt projects.
• qmake: For simple Qt projects, especially for beginners or small projects, qmake can help you get things done quickly.
📝 Summary
If you mainly work on Qt projects and they are simple, qmake is quite good. However, if your project is complex or not a Qt project, CMake is the way to go.
Now, Qt is increasingly supporting CMake, and many Qt projects are starting to transition to CMake. So, it’s beneficial for you to learn CMake for long-term project development! 💪
