CMakeLists

CMakeLists is the build script used by the CMake build system to describe how a software project should be built. Each CMakeLists.txt file appears in a project directory and defines the rules for building that directory. The top-level CMakeLists.txt typically controls the overall project and may include subdirectories with add_subdirectory.

A typical CMakeLists.txt contains commands such as cmake_minimum_required, project, and definitions of build targets with add_executable or add_library. It specifies sources, include directories, compiler options, and dependencies. CMake translates these commands into native build files for the chosen generator, such as Makefiles, Ninja, or Visual Studio projects. The language is specialized for configuration rather than general programming, using variables, commands, and control structures.

Common commands set up project metadata and targets: cmake_minimum_required sets the minimum CMake version, project defines the project name and languages, and add_executable or add_library creates build targets. Other commands specify sources via target_sources, include directories via target_include_directories, link libraries via target_link_libraries, and compile options via target_compile_options. find_package helps locate dependencies, while install rules define installation behavior.

Structure often includes multiple CMakeLists.txt files across subdirectories. A subdirectory can be added with add_subdirectory, and each directory can declare its own targets and properties. Variables can be cached for configuration across runs, and conditional logic allows platform-specific settings. Overall, CMakeLists forms the declarative backbone of a portable, generator-based build configuration.