CMake vs Gradle: What are the differences?

CMake and Gradle are two popular build systems used in software development. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Language Support: CMake is primarily used for building C, C++, and CUDA projects, whereas Gradle is designed to build Java, Kotlin, and Android projects. CMake supports a wider range of programming languages, making it more versatile in multi-language projects.

2. Configuration Language: CMake uses a declarative scripting language, which allows developers to specify the build process in a concise and readable manner. On the other hand, Gradle uses a powerful Groovy-based scripting language, which provides more flexibility and expressiveness in defining build configurations.

3. Plugin Ecosystem: While both CMake and Gradle have a rich ecosystem of plugins, the nature of their plugin systems differs. CMake plugins are typically focused on enhancing the build process itself, such as generating project files for different IDEs. Gradle plugins, on the other hand, offer a broader range of functionalities, including code analysis, testing, and deployment.

4. Provenance: CMake has been around for a longer time and is widely adopted in various industries. It has a solid track record and is often considered a stable and reliable option. Gradle, on the other hand, is relatively newer but has gained popularity, especially in the Android development community, due to its integration with the Android build system.

5. Parallel Execution: Gradle has built-in support for parallel task execution, which can significantly improve build performance on multi-core systems. CMake, on the other hand, lacks native parallel execution capabilities and relies more on manual optimization techniques to achieve better performance.

6. Integration with IDEs: Gradle provides seamless integration with popular IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio, making it easier for developers to build, test, and debug their projects directly from their preferred development environment. CMake also has good integration with IDEs, but it may require additional configuration to enable certain features.

In summary, CMake is a versatile build system with broad language support, while Gradle is particularly suited for Java, Kotlin, and Android projects. Gradle offers more flexibility and a powerful plugin ecosystem, but CMake has a longer track record and wider industry adoption. Gradle's parallel execution capabilities and IDE integration make it a preferred choice for many developers.