A comprehensive handbook on SCons, a Python-based build tool that replaces Make, autoconf, and automake. Covers installation, core concepts (SConstruct, SConscript, Construction Environments, Builders, Nodes), a detailed multi-file C++ project with static libraries and variant directories for debug/release builds, and cross-compilation setup for Qualcomm's QuRT real-time OS on the Hexagon DSP. Includes side-by-side comparisons with Make, CMake, and Meson, explaining SCons' content-hash-based rebuild detection and automatic header dependency scanning.
Table of contents
Table of ContentsPrerequisitesWhat is SCons and Why Does it Exist?How SCons Compares to Make, CMake, and MesonA Side-by-Side Look at Make Versus SConsInstalling SConsCore Concepts You Need Before Writing a Build FileThe Three Environments in SConsConstruction Variables ReferenceYour First SConstruct FileBuilding a Multi-File C++ Project Step by StepDetailed Walkthrough of Every File in the ProjectRunning the Build and Understanding the OutputWhat Happens During an Incremental BuildCross-Compiling for QuRT (Qualcomm Real-Time OS)Writing QuRT-Specific Application CodeBuilding Both Native and QuRT From One SConstructHow SCons Detects Dependencies and Decides What to RebuildWriting a Custom ScannerThe Shared Build CacheWorking with Shared LibrariesAdding Command-Line Options with AddOptionConfigure Checks for PortabilityCustom Builders for Non-Standard File TypesAliases, Default Targets, and Install RulesPlatform-Specific ConfigurationCustomizing Build OutputHow to Debug SCons Build FilesThe SCons Command-Line ReferenceCommon Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemSummarySort: