Pcons, a Modern Python Build Tool

Pcons: a modern Python build tool inspired by SCons and CMake

Pcons is a new software build tool in Python, inspired by SCons and CMake. It’s designed to be a modern, general-purpose, and extensible build tool that uses a well-known language to describe builds and tools.

The Problem with SCons

SCons is a widely used build tool, but it hasn’t kept up with modern Python. It has accumulated wisdom, but also has ossified ways of doing things. The author of Pcons, who was one of the original developers of SCons, has been thinking about rearchitecting it onto a modern Python stack for years.

Pcons: the Solution

Pcons is a new build tool that takes the best ideas from SCons and CMake. It uses a modern Python stack with Path and decorators, and fixes some of the pain points of SCons. Pcons is designed to be easy to use, reliable, and quick.

Comparison with Other Build Tools

Pcons fills a real need for a general-purpose, broadly applicable, and extensible build tool. It’s not just another build tool, but a modern alternative to SCons and CMake.

Architecture and Design

Pcons is designed with a clean and consistent API, making it easy for humans and AI agents to create best-practices build scripts. The documentation and source organization are clear, making it easy to understand and use.

Under Active Development

Pcons is under active development, and is ready for experimentation and feedback. It’s working in several medium-sized projects, and the core functionality is well tested.

Getting Started

Pcons doesn’t require installation; just use uvx pcons to configure and build. If you want to install it, you can do so using uvx pcons —help.

What to Watch

Pcons is still under active development, and the author is looking for feedback and contributions. Keep an eye on the project’s GitHub page for updates and releases.

Industry Context

The build tool landscape is constantly evolving, with new tools and technologies emerging all the time. Pcons is a modern alternative to SCons and CMake, and fills a real need in the market. As the industry continues to move towards more modern and extensible build tools, Pcons is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.

Technical Mechanics

Pcons uses a modern Python stack with Path and decorators, making it easy to use and reliable. It also uses Ninja (or Makefile, XCode, or MSVS) to do the builds, making it compatible with a wide range of build systems.

Regulatory Implications

As a build tool, Pcons is subject to the usual regulatory requirements. However, its modern design and clean API make it well-suited to the needs of modern software development.

Market Implications

Pcons is a modern alternative to SCons and CMake, and fills a real need in the market. As the industry continues to move towards more modern and extensible build tools, Pcons is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.

Conclusion

Pcons is a modern Python build tool inspired by SCons and CMake. It’s designed to be easy to use, reliable, and quick, and fills a real need in the market. Keep an eye on the project’s GitHub page for updates and releases.

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