CMake and Makefile: A Comprehensive Guide to Cross-Platform Development with Visual Studio

When it comes to cross-platform development, choosing the right tools can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using CMake and Makefile in conjunction with Visual Studio for developing projects that require both Windows and Linux compatibility.

CMake Presets Integration in Visual Studio

Visual Studio offers a seamless integration with CMake Presets, making it easy to build and debug your project on multiple platforms. With this feature, you can configure and build your project using the powerful CMake scripting language. The WSL 2 toolset is also supported by CMake Presets integration in Visual Studio, ensuring that your project runs smoothly across both Windows and Linux environments.

WSL 2 Toolset Background

The WSL 2 toolset provides cross-platform support for Visual Studio, assuming that all source files originate from the Windows file system. This means that you can build and debug your project on multiple platforms without having to worry about compatibility issues. CMake is our recommended choice for all C++ cross-platform development with Visual Studio due to its ability to build and debug the same project on Windows, WSL, and remote systems.

Visual Studio's WSL 2 Toolset

Visual Studio's WSL 2 toolset supports both CMake and MSBuild-based Linux projects, allowing you to build and debug your project on multiple platforms. This feature is available now in Visual Studio 2022 version 17.0 or higher. With this toolset, you can use Visual Studio to build and debug your C++ code on WSL 2 distros without the need for a SSH connection.

Benefits of Using CMake with Visual Studio

Using CMake with Visual Studio offers several benefits, including:

* Cross-platform compatibility: CMake allows you to build and debug your project on multiple platforms, including Windows, WSL, and remote systems.

* Simplified development process: CMake automates the build process, making it easier to manage complex projects.

* Improved code organization: CMake helps you organize your code by separating the build process from the source code.

In conclusion, using CMake and Makefile with Visual Studio is a powerful way to develop cross-platform applications. With its seamless integration with CMake Presets and WSL 2 toolset, Visual Studio provides a comprehensive solution for building and debugging projects on multiple platforms. Whether you're developing a project for Windows, Linux, or both, CMake is our recommended choice for all C++ cross-platform development with Visual Studio.

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