Side by side
Open Build Service vs qmake
Both stand on build automation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
OBS provides package building, distribution, and collaboration workflows for projects targeting multiple operating systems and architectures. It is available through a reference server or as software to install on your own infrastructure.
Visit Open Build Service Free plan iPhoneLinuxMac+1
qmake provides a project-file-based way to generate Makefiles and related IDE project files. The Qt 6 limitation and the warning about untrusted projects are important considerations for build workflows.
Visit qmakeThe facts
| Open Build Service | qmake | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | openbuildservice.org | doc.qt.io |
| On build automation software | #15 of 42 | #19 of 42 |
Open Build Service: what it does well
- Free GPL-licensed software.
- Builds packages in fresh jailed environments.
- Rebuilds dependent packages after successful builds.
- Supports multiple package and recipe formats.
- Offers an API and osc command-line client.
What to know first
- The beginner guide recommends basic Linux and command-line knowledge.
- Self-hosted SCM integrations depend on network connectivity.
- The downloadable appliance deployment overwrites the target disk.
qmake: what it does well
- Project files specify sources, libraries, and include paths.
- Includes build rules for Qt moc and uic tools.
- Templates cover applications, libraries, and plugins.
- Can generate Visual Studio and Xcode project files.
- Community Edition is available under LGPL or GPL terms.
What to know first
- Qt 6 qmake cannot build certain custom plugins or libraries.
- Building an untrusted project can execute code on the build machine.
- Community Edition has source-code obligations and limited capabilities.
Alternatives to Open Build Service Alternatives to qmake The whole list