xmake

Cross-platform Lua-based build system

TLDR

Create new project

$ xmake create [project_name]

Build project

$ xmake

Build with specific mode

$ xmake -m [release]

Run target

$ xmake run [target]

Install package

$ xmake require [package]

Clean build

$ xmake clean

Configure project

$ xmake config -p [linux] -a [x86_64]

Generate IDE project

$ xmake project -k [cmake]

SYNOPSIS

xmake [build] [run] [clean] [require] [config] [options] [target]

xmake is a cross-platform build system. It uses Lua for configuration, providing flexibility while remaining simple.Build configuration in xmake.lua defines targets, dependencies, and compiler options. The syntax is more readable than CMake.Package management is integrated. Dependencies are declared and automatically downloaded and built.Cross-platform support covers Windows, Linux, macOS, and more. Cross-compilation and toolchain management are built-in.Project generation creates files for CMake, Make, Ninja, Visual Studio, and Xcode. This enables integration with other tools.Remote compilation distributes builds across machines. Cache sharing speeds up builds across teams.

PARAMETERS

build

Build project (default).

run [TARGET]

Run target.

clean

Clean build files.

config

Configure project.

require PKG

Install package.

create NAME

Create project.

project -k KIND

Generate project files.

-m MODE

Build mode (debug, release).

-p PLATFORM

Target platform.

-a ARCH

Target architecture.

-v

Verbose output.

-j N

Parallel jobs.

INSTALL

sudo apt install xmake

sudo dnf install xmake

sudo pacman -S xmake

sudo apk add xmake

brew install xmake

nix profile install nixpkgs#xmake

CAVEATS

Less widespread than CMake. Package repository smaller than vcpkg/conan. Lua config has learning curve for some.

HISTORY

xmake was created by ruki around 2015 in China. It provides a modern alternative to CMake with integrated package management and simpler syntax.