FASTBuild Helper

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FASTBuild Helper is an open-source template solution to facilite the integration of FASTBuild on an existing or a new C++ project

The idea

Personally I really like FASTBuild. This tool does an impressive job without any dependencies and complicated installations. Unfortunately it does require an experienced programmer’s intricate understanding of the complication process. The generate result’s syntax is incomprehensible for anybody but a FASTBuild integrator. I was not very experience with compiler settings when I was given the mandate to port approximately 375 C++ projects (like VisualStudio projects) for a company I use to work for. It was a very interesting and challenging task.

In order to succeed I imagined only one interface achieving the following goals:

1. Must be readable and editable for a non-fastbuild-integrator.
2. Should not expose any compiler details from those who don’t understand them.
3. Provide a multi-plateform interface.
4. Should not create another language, the interface must uniquely be in the FASTBuild’s language.
5. Should provide a format which can be generated easily.

How to use it

First, start by reading about the FASTBuild's language. The interface is readable without it but you may be handicapped and quickly make some mistakes. (see: FASTBuild language)

You have to know that this helper is not perfectly generic for all needs. This help provides a generic interface but in order to support your own needs you will have to customize it according to your personal requirements. For example: this helper works for VisualStudio 2015 on Windows and GCC on Linux. It will also compile all *.cpp files inside your project’s directories. But no worries, it’s pretty easy to change those settings.

I advise you to start with a little “helloworld” test. The helper provides an easy interface but it does require quite a few lines. Also you can refer to these Examples.

Finally, in order to understand this "FASTBuild Helper", I suggest you to read the following slides:

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By the way, if your are interested in FASTBuild but you don't need this Helper, it should still give you some good examples of how to use FASTBuild.

Authors and Contributors

Support or Contact

yannick DOT triqueneaux AT gmail.com