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Asked: 2024-09-24T18:47:59+05:30 In:

How can I update CMake to the latest version on an Ubuntu system?

I’ve been trying to get CMake updated on my Ubuntu system, and I’m hitting a wall. I usually rely on the package manager, but it seems like it hasn’t been updated in ages. I mean, I went to check which version I’m running, and it’s some prehistoric release!

I noticed there are some cool features in the latest version that I really want to use for a project I’m working on. I could really use some help figuring out the best way to get my CMake up to speed. Honestly, I don’t want to mess anything up, and I’m kind of confused about the different methods for installation.

Some folks say to use the APT package manager, but I heard that version can be way behind the latest one available. I looked into downloading from the official CMake website and using a script to install it, but honestly, with my previous experiences, I can be a bit klutzy with compiling from source. There’s also talk about using Snap or Flatpak, and while I’m not completely against those, I don’t have a lot of experience with them either.

So, what’s the scoop? Is there an easy way to upgrade to the latest version without diving into the deep end of the installation process and possibly causing issues? I want to avoid making a mess of things and having to troubleshoot for hours afterwards.

I’m wondering what everyone else has done. If you’ve successfully updated CMake, what method did you use, and did it go smoothly? I’d love to hear about any tricks or tips you might have to make this an easier process. I guess I’m just looking for the safest route to get this done without breaking anything in the process. Any advice or guiding steps would be much appreciated!

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    2 Answers

    1. Upgrading CMake can definitely be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not super comfortable with compiling from source or using different package management systems. But don’t worry! There are a few good ways to get to the latest version without too much hassle.

      1. Using CMake’s Official APT PPA

      If you’re okay with using a package manager, one of the simplest ways is to add the official CMake PPA (Personal Package Archive) to your system. This way, you can keep it updated easily via the APT package manager.

              
            sudo apt update
            sudo apt install software-properties-common
            sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kitware/release
            sudo apt update
            sudo apt install cmake

      This should get you the latest stable release quickly!

      2. Snap Package

      If you’re open to trying Snap, it’s also a good option. Snap automatically handles updates for you and is often up-to-date:

              
            sudo snap install cmake --classic

      3. Flatpak

      Similarly, if you want to give Flatpak a shot (if it’s not installed yet, you might need to install it), you can install CMake like this:

              
            flatpak install flathub org.cmake.CMake

      4. Downloading the Binary from the CMake Website

      If you want to go the manual route without compiling from source, downloading the precompiled binaries from the CMake website is easy

              
            wget https://github.com/Kitware/CMake/releases/download/v3.x.x/cmake-3.x.x-linux-x86_64.tar.gz
            tar -zxvf cmake-3.x.x-linux-x86_64.tar.gz
            sudo mv cmake-3.x.x-linux-x86_64 /usr/local/cmake
            sudo ln -s /usr/local/cmake/bin/cmake /usr/bin/cmake

      Conclusion

      Any of these methods works fine, but the PPA method is often the easiest for beginners. Just backup your projects or any important files first, just in case something goes wrong. Good luck, and hopefully, you’ll be using those cool features in no time!


    2. To update CMake on your Ubuntu system while minimizing potential issues, consider using the more recent Snap package which often provides the latest version in a stable manner. You can install Snap if it’s not already available on your system using the command sudo apt install snapd. Once Snap is installed, you can easily install CMake by running sudo snap install cmake --classic. This method isolates the installation from other system libraries and dependencies, reducing the risk of conflicts. If you want to verify the installed version, use cmake --version after installation.

      Alternatively, if you prefer not to use Snap, you might consider downloading the official CMake binary distribution directly from the CMake website. This avoids the complexities of compiling from source while still providing you with the latest features. Simply download the tar.gz file for your platform, extract it, and add the extracted folder to your path. This way, you can control the version used without relying on the apt manager. Whichever method you choose, ensure that you back up your existing projects and environment to safeguard against any unforeseen issues during the upgrade process.


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