# Boost Build System V2

## Synopsis

Boost.Build is a system for large project software construction, which is simple to use and powerfull. Boost.Build V2 is an onging project to rewrite Boost.Build, improving design and making it more extensible. The distinguishing features are:

- Simple and high level target description language. In most cases name of target and list of sources is enough.
- Variant builds. You can build with your choice of basic variants (e.g. debug, release, profile...), toolsets (e.g. gcc and msvc) and specific properties (e.g. inlining off) from a single command invocation.
- Portability. ``Feature Normalization'' allows to fine-tune targets independently from the toolset used, and modular toolset descriptions are employed to generate actual build instructions.
- Multi-project builds. Several projects can be combined and built together, with dependencies correctly tracked. Typically, the setting (like include paths and defines) needed to use other project will be handled automatically.
- Extensibility. New file types and tools can be easily added

## Documentation

The user manual, which includes installation instructions, tutorial and initial reference is available here.

## Status

Enough of the core functionality is implemented to allow practical use on medium-size projects. Several compilers and tools are supported, the full list is available here. The list of features still to be implemented is outlined in the development plan.

## Downloading

The most up-to-date sources are available in `tools/build` directory of Boost CVS. Please see the Boost CVS Repository section of the Boost getting started docs.

Boost.Build releases are also available. There's zip archive, and tar.bz2 archive of the current release. Older releases are available from the SourceForce download page.

The installation is described in the user manual.

## Feedback

Should you have any questions or comments, we'd be glad to hear them. Post everything to the jamboost mailing list.

We have an online tracker for all Boost.Build bugs and features. Usage instructions are available here.

If you'd like to help with development, there's a separate guidelines document.

© Copyright David Abrahams and Vladimir Prus 2002-2003. Permission to copy, use, modify, sell and distribute this document is granted provided this copyright notice appears in all copies. This document is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty, and with no claim as to its suitability for any purpose.

Revised Oct 29, 2004