3 New CMake Books Reshaping Software Development in 2025

What started as a drive to streamline C++ build processes led Dominik Berner and Mustafa Kemal Gilor to craft a guide that cuts through CMake’s complexity with a focus on modern workflows. You’ll learn how to architect modular CMake projects, utilize presets for consistent configurations, and integrate tools like Conan 2.0 for dependency management. The book dives into practical topics such as cross-platform builds, automated testing, fuzzing, and documentation generation. If you’re involved in maintaining or scaling CMake projects, this resource offers concrete examples and techniques to enhance efficiency without drowning in outdated practices.

Rafał Świdziński's extensive engineering background at Google and other tech leaders shapes this second edition as more than just a CMake manual—it’s a detailed guide to mastering modern build automation for C++ projects. You’ll gain concrete skills in structuring source directories, managing dependencies, and integrating quality checks like static analysis and testing frameworks. Chapters on CMake presets and packaging deepen your ability to create maintainable, efficient build processes. If you’re aiming to elevate your C++ builds from basic scripts to professional-grade solutions, this book lays out the methods clearly and pragmatically.

This tailored book on CMake explores the latest advancements emerging in 2025, focusing on your unique interests and project needs. It examines state-of-the-art build automation techniques, new features introduced in recent CMake versions, and evolving best practices that keep your workflows efficient and adaptable. By matching your background and goals, this personalized guide reveals how to navigate complex build scenarios and integrate cutting-edge tools seamlessly. Delving into current trends and discoveries, the book supports informed decision-making that aligns with your specific development context. It provides a clear path through the evolving landscape of CMake, ensuring you stay ahead with insights directly relevant to your software projects.

Tom Hulton-Harrop draws from his deep experience in game and engine development to offer a focused walkthrough of CMake that sidesteps the overwhelm common in build system manuals. You’ll progress through creating simple console applications to full windowed apps, learning how to integrate libraries, manage dependencies across platforms like macOS and Linux, and package your software for distribution. The book emphasizes practical skills like setting up reusable libraries and streamlining build configurations, making it particularly useful if you work with C, C++, or similar languages and want to confidently handle cross-platform development. It’s a solid choice for developers who prefer learning by doing rather than wading through exhaustive references.