#include "build.h"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IncludeBuild?

IncludeBuild is a single-header build framework for C and C++ projects. You describe your build in normal C code using explicit context, project, and target objects.

How do I start?

#define INCLUDEBUILD_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "build.h"

int main(void) {
    ib_context* ctx = ib_context_create();
    ib_project* project = ib_project_create(ctx, ".");
    ib_target* target = ib_project_add_target(project, "app", IB_TARGET_EXECUTABLE);
    ib_status status = IB_OK;

    if (target) {
        status = ib_target_set_entry(target, "main.c");
    }
    if (status == IB_OK) {
        status = ib_project_build(project, IB_MODE_DEBUG);
    }

    ib_project_destroy(project);
    ib_context_destroy(ctx);
    return status == IB_OK ? 0 : 1;
}

$ cc -o build build.c
$ ./build

How do I add more sources?

Add sources directly to a target with ib_target_add_source(), or add project-level shared sources with ib_project_add_shared_source() or ib_project_scan_shared_dir().

How do I add include paths and libraries?

Use ib_project_add_include_dir() or ib_target_add_include_dir() for includes, and ib_target_add_link_flags() for libraries and linker flags.

ib_project_add_include_dir(project, "include");
ib_target_add_link_flags(target, "-lm");

How do I use a different compiler?

Override the compiler or archiver directly on the project:

ib_project_set_c_compiler(project, "clang");
ib_project_set_cxx_compiler(project, "clang++");
ib_project_set_archiver(project, "llvm-ar");

Does IncludeBuild support incremental builds?

Yes. V2 uses compiler-generated depfiles plus per-object command manifests, so a file rebuilds when its tracked dependencies or effective compile command change.

How do I generate compile_commands.json?

ib_project_write_compile_commands(project, "compile_commands.json");

How do I clean build artifacts?

ib_project_clean(project);

Are there fixed file-count limits?

No. V2 uses dynamic arrays for project state instead of the fixed global limits used by older revisions.

What platforms are supported?

The core design targets GCC/Clang-style toolchains on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

How do I debug a failing build?

Enable verbose output and inspect the diagnostics stored on the context.

ib_context_set_verbose(ctx, true);
ib_context_set_log_level(ctx, IB_DIAG_DEBUG);
fprintf(stderr, "%s\n", ib_context_last_message(ctx));