Side by side
Shake vs Xmake
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 LinuxMacWindows
Shake offers flexible dependency rules, build progress estimates, and profiling for developers building or maintaining build systems. Its Haskell requirement and lack of default rules are important to account for when adopting it.
Visit Shake
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Xmake combines project builds, project-file generation, dependency management, and distributed compilation in a free tool. Its community-driven maintenance model and root-installation caution are worth considering.
Visit XmakeThe facts
| Shake | Xmake | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | shakebuild.com | xmake.io |
| On build automation software | #28 of 42 | #32 of 42 |
Shake: what it does well
- Rules can discover dependencies dynamically.
- Supports parallel builds and resource constraints.
- Profiling reports show what built and why.
- Can execute Ninja files for CMake and Meson integration.
- Open source under the BSD license.
What to know first
- Build systems must be written in Haskell.
- Shake does not provide default build rules.
- Haskell Stack may need to be installed first.
Xmake: what it does well
- Free to use, with no free-trial requirement.
- Includes caching and parallel compilation.
- Supports package management for C and C++ dependencies.
- Documents remote compilation with authentication options.
- Can generate project files for major IDEs.
What to know first
- The project is primarily maintained in its creator’s spare time.
- Installation guidance is listed for Windows, Linux, and macOS.