CMake /w Ninja generates build files but no executable

Question

My first time attempt at CMake and I need some help

CMake /w Ninja & clang++ generates build files but no executable

/CMakeLists.txt

cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.17)

list(APPEND CMAKE_MODULE_PATH ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/cmake)

project(Example)

include(find_compiler)

add_subdirectory(src)

src/CMakeLists.txt

add_executable(Example main.cpp)

I'm not sure what to do. Thank you.

Answer 1

The primary purpose fo CMake is to create all the build-related files needed to create your executable (i.e. to configure build system), not to build it, so the behaviour you are experiencing is expected.

(I suppose you used Ninja generator, i.e. you executed cmake with -G Ninja as one of the parameters)

In order to actually build your executable, you must execute ninja, after successful configuration (i.e. successful run of cmake):

$ cd build_folder
$ cmake -G Ninja source_folder
$ ninja

if everything goes well, you should have Example executable in you build folder.

You can also initiate actual building using CMake using following set fo commands:

$ cd build_folder
$ cmake -G Ninja source_folder
$ cmake --build .

cheers,