cmkr

cmkr, pronounced "cmaker", is a modern build system developed by publisher build-cpp and based on CMake and TOML. Its core purpose is to simplify the process of configuring and managing C++ projects by replacing hand-written CMake scripts with a more approachable declarative format. Instead of authoring complex CMakeLists.txt files directly, developers write their project configuration in a cmake.toml file, which cmkr parses and then uses to generate a modern, idiomatic CMakeLists.txt automatically. This approach makes build configuration more readable and maintainable while still producing standard CMake output that integrates naturally with the wider CMake ecosystem, including existing toolchains, IDEs, and continuous integration pipelines. A notable capability of cmkr is that it can bootstrap itself, meaning users do not need to install additional language runtimes or package managers to get started; the only requirements are CMake itself and a C++ compiler. This low barrier to entry makes it a practical choice for C++ developers who want a streamlined workflow without introducing heavy external dependencies into their build environment. Typical use cases include setting up new C++ projects quickly, managing project targets and dependencies through a concise TOML syntax, and maintaining build configurations that are easier for teams to review and modify than traditional CMake scripts. As a tool in the build system and developer tooling category, cmkr sits alongside other CMake-based solutions while distinguishing itself through its TOML-first design and self-bootstrapping behavior. The software is currently available in version 0.2.46, and the catalog lists a total of one published version, indicating that this release represents the presently available distribution of the project.

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