hintmake

hintmake is a build system primarily used for C and C++ projects. It is known for its speed and simplicity compared to more complex build systems like CMake. hintmake operates by generating build scripts, typically Makefiles, which are then executed by a standard build tool like make. Its configuration files are written in a domain-specific language that is designed to be easy to read and write.

The primary goal of hintmake is to automate the compilation and linking process for software projects. It achieves this by analyzing source files, their dependencies, and compiler/linker flags to create efficient build instructions. This can significantly reduce build times, especially for large codebases.

One of the key features of hintmake is its ability to handle cross-compilation, allowing developers to build software for different target architectures or operating systems from a single development environment. It also supports incremental builds, meaning only files that have changed or have dependencies that have changed are recompiled, further optimizing build speed.

hintmake is often chosen for its straightforward syntax and minimal overhead. While it might not offer the extensive features of some other build systems, its focus on speed and ease of use makes it a practical choice for many C and C++ development workflows. The project is open-source and available for various platforms.