The Importance of Speed in Build Systems
In the tech world, time is money. Build systems, which orchestrate the compilation and linking of software projects, are at the heart of this process. A faster build system can significantly reduce development cycles, allowing teams to focus on innovation rather than waiting.
Ninja: The Benchmark
Ninja is often cited as a benchmark for speed in build systems. Its minimalist design, primarily focused on execution speed, makes it a popular choice. However, there's a catch. Ninja doesn't operate alone; it relies on tools like CMake to generate build files, which adds a significant generation time.
The CMake-Ninja Dilemma
Take the example of Xerces-C++, an XML parser/serializer for C++. In a complete build, Ninja finishes in 3.4 seconds. But the preceding file generation step by CMake takes 15.6 seconds, bringing the total time to nearly 19 seconds. This highlights the dilemma: Ninja's speed is partially overshadowed by the build file generation time.
Build2: A Promising Alternative
Build2 presents itself as a serious contender. Without the intermediate step of build file generation, build2 completes a full build of Xerces-C++ in 3.8 seconds, about 11% slower than Ninja alone, but significantly faster when considering the total CMake-Ninja duo time.
Advantages of build2
- Direct Integration: No need for a build file generation tool, simplifying the process and reducing wait times.
- Simplicity: By eliminating external dependencies like CMake, build2 offers a more direct and error-free solution.
- Efficiency: With only a 0.4-second difference from Ninja on the same hardware and configuration, build2 proves competitive.
Conclusion: The Future of Build Systems
Build2's results are promising for those looking to optimize their development processes. While Ninja remains an excellent choice for its speed, build2's integrated approach might appeal to those wanting to minimize intermediate steps and dependencies. Choosing between these systems will depend on the specific needs of your project and infrastructure.
Let's discuss your project in 15 minutes.