When generating PDF documents from source files (e.g., Markdown, LaTeX, or ReStructuredText), a "minimal CMake" approach focuses on simplicity, portability, and avoiding external scripts. The goal is to produce a pdf target using only built-in CMake commands and a reliable PDF engine.
No external scripts, no complicated add_custom_command chaining – just one call to pdflatex .
Handles .bib , .cls , and image files automatically.
For complex documents with bibliographies, indices, and multiple passes, the UseLATEX.cmake module (a community-maintained script) is highly recommended. minimal cmake pdf
In conclusion, the pursuit of a "Minimal CMake" is a pursuit of clarity. It is a reaction against the unnecessary complexity that plagues software infrastructure. Whether captured in a PDF cheat sheet or implemented in a sleek CMakeLists.txt , minimalism allows the build system to fulfill its true purpose: to be a silent, reliable scaffold that supports the software, rather than a chaotic structure that obscures it. By embracing the minimal, developers do not just save lines of code; they save time, reduce errors, and build a foundation that is as robust as the software it compiles.
For a minimal and highly regarded introduction to CMake, several high-quality guides and PDF resources are available that focus on "Modern CMake" practices rather than outdated legacy methods. Top Minimal & Modern Guides An Introduction to Modern CMake : Widely considered one of the best web-based books for beginners. It avoids "old" CMake antipatterns and focuses on target-based builds [19, 24]. Effective Modern CMake (GitHub Gist) : A highly condensed list of "do's and don'ts" that serves as a perfect minimal reference for best practices [14, 18]. Modern CMake for Library Developers : A curated collection of resources that includes links to specialized guides for creating reusable libraries [18]. Show more Notable PDF Resources Minimal CMake (by Tom Hulton-Harrop) : A practical, hands-on guide specifically designed to be minimal. It focuses on essential features like cross-platform setups and dependency management [8, 27]. Mastering CMake (PDF) : While comprehensive, the introductory chapters provide a solid, structured "minimal" starting point for understanding how CMakeLists files work [11, 29]. Modern CMake: A Comprehensive Guide (Scribd PDF) : Covers installation and modern features for C++ development [7]. Professional CMake: A Practical Guide (by Craig Scott) : Although a full book, it is the industry standard for learning "The Right Way" to use CMake [26]. Show more A "Minimal" Starting Example The most basic
Instead, rely on the user’s system having pdflatex or pandoc . CMake’s job is just to them and call them cleanly. When generating PDF documents from source files (e
find_package(LATEX REQUIRED)
When your source is Markdown and you want a PDF via LaTeX:
Runs LaTeX multiple times to resolve cross-references. Handles
| Aspect | Minimal CMake Approach | |--------|------------------------| | | find_package(LATEX) or find_program(PANDOC) | | Build step | One add_custom_command | | User interface | One add_custom_target(pdf) | | External dependencies | None (CMake only) | | Complexity | ~10 lines of CMake |
add_custom_target(pdf DEPENDS $PDF_OUTPUT)