CMake vs JFrog Artifactory: What are the differences?

Introduction

CMake and JFrog Artifactory are two different tools that are frequently used in web development. Below are the key differences between CMake and JFrog Artifactory.

1. Structure: CMake is a build tool used for compiling code, while JFrog Artifactory is a binary repository manager used for managing and storing binary artifacts.

2. Functionality: CMake is primarily used for building projects, managing dependencies, and generating build files, while JFrog Artifactory focuses on managing and distributing binary artifacts, ensuring artifact tracing, and promoting artifact reuse.

3. Build System: CMake generates build files (such as Makefiles or IDE-specific project files) that can be used to build the project on various platforms and build systems. JFrog Artifactory, on the other hand, does not generate build files, but rather stores and manages the built artifacts generated by the build system.

4. Integration: CMake can be integrated with various build systems, such as Make, Ninja, or IDE-specific build systems. JFrog Artifactory can be integrated with build tools and CI/CD systems, such as Jenkins or Bamboo, to manage the binary artifacts produced by the build process.

5. Dependency Management: CMake has built-in support for managing dependencies through the use of "findpackage" and "targetlink_libraries" commands. JFrog Artifactory provides more advanced dependency management features, such as remote repositories, dependency graphs, and conflict resolution.

6. Scalability: CMake is suitable for small to medium-sized projects, while JFrog Artifactory is designed to handle large-scale projects and enterprise-level deployments, providing scalability and high availability.

In summary, CMake is a build tool used for compiling code and generating build files, while JFrog Artifactory is a binary repository manager used for managing and distributing binary artifacts. CMake focuses on building projects and managing dependencies, while JFrog Artifactory focuses on artifact management and distribution for large-scale projects and enterprise deployments.