SOFTWARE LICENSE GUIDE
CMake
CMake is an open-source, cross-platform family of tools designed to build, test, and package software.
What it does
It manages the build process in a compiler-independent manner, generating native build environments like Makefiles or Visual Studio projects.
Who it may suit
Software developers and build engineers working on projects that need to be compiled across multiple platforms and compilers.
Free tier and license
CMake is entirely free to download and use.
Limitations to check
Requires understanding of its domain-specific language and build system concepts. The learning curve can be steep for complex projects. Check official documentation for supported platforms and compilers.
Licensing notes
CMake is distributed under the permissive OSI-approved BSD 3-Clause License, allowing free commercial and non-commercial use.
Verification details
Last licensing verification recorded: Not recorded.
Directory record last updated: 2026-10-05. These are separate dates: a record update does not necessarily mean the publisher's terms changed.
AI-assisted summaries may be incomplete or outdated. Confirm licensing, pricing, and commercial-use rights in the official sources before making a business decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is CMake truly free?
Yes, CMake is completely free and open-source software.
Can I use CMake for commercial projects?
Yes, CMake is licensed under the BSD 3-Clause License, which permits its use for commercial projects.
Related software
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