Windows cmake configure on Windows equivalent in Linux
Generates build files in a separate build directory.
cmake configure on Windows
cmake -S . -B build
cmake -S . -B build
cmake -S . -B build
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "cmake configure on Windows" is used to configure CMake project. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "cmake -S . -B build". Generates build files in a separate build directory. This reference is grouped under Developer Tools → Build Tools.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name cmake is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux development workflow.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Configure CMake project
Generates build files in a separate build directory.
cmake -S . -B build
Configure CMake project
cmake --help
Show command help when supported
man cmake
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
cmake -S . -B build
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: cmake configure on Windows
cmake -S . -B buildReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
cmake -S . -B build | Configure CMake project |
cmake --help | Show command help when supported |
man cmake | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The command "cmake -S . -B build" is the same in all three rows, while package or base details differ: Debian/Ubuntu uses install with apt when missing; Fedora uses install with dnf when missing; Arch uses install with pacman when missing.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | install with apt when missing | cmake -S . -B build |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | install with dnf when missing | cmake -S . -B build |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | install with pacman when missing | cmake -S . -B build |
Same command on this distribution. |
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