CMake - From Basics to Building

Learn CMake fundamentals and modern best practices in this comprehensive conference talk that establishes a solid foundation for understanding CMake terminology and concepts. Discover why CMake is widely adopted by both commercial and open-source projects, and understand the challenges developers face when working with CMake infrastructure without proper foundational knowledge. Explore modern CMake usage principles starting from the basics, including key terminology and core concepts that form the backbone of effective CMake implementation. Examine outdated practices commonly found in existing CMake codebases and understand why these approaches are no longer recommended in modern development workflows. Gain insights into the evolution of CMake practices and learn to distinguish between legacy and contemporary approaches. Focus on the "what" and "why" of CMake rather than just the "how," providing you with the conceptual framework needed to navigate CMake's extensive reference documentation effectively. Build the knowledge foundation necessary for further CMake study and practical application in real-world projects, whether you're maintaining existing CMake infrastructure or starting new projects from scratch.