# Build System Evaluation: CMake vs Autotools

## Current Status

Apache Axis2/C currently uses **GNU Autotools** (autoconf/automake) as its primary build system. The native WSDL2C generator has been integrated into this existing build system for consistency.

## CMake vs Autotools Analysis

### CMake Advantages (Modern Choice)

**Pros:**
- **Simpler syntax**: More readable and maintainable than autotools
- **Cross-platform**: Better Windows/Visual Studio support out of the box
- **Modern ecosystem**: Widely adopted by new projects (LLVM, Qt, KDE, etc.)
- **Better IDE integration**: Native support in most modern IDEs
- **Faster builds**: Generally better dependency tracking and parallel builds
- **Package management**: Built-in support for finding dependencies (FindPkgConfig, etc.)
- **Active development**: Continuously improved and maintained

**Cons:**
- **Migration effort**: Significant work to convert existing autotools build
- **Learning curve**: Team would need to learn CMake syntax and best practices
- **Compatibility**: Some older Unix systems might not have modern CMake
- **Legacy integration**: Existing packaging/distribution scripts use autotools

### Autotools Advantages (Traditional Choice)

**Pros:**
- **Established**: Time-tested, reliable, well-understood by Unix developers
- **Portability**: Excellent support for obscure Unix variants and older systems
- **Consistency**: Already used throughout the Apache Axis2/C project
- **No migration needed**: Current system works and is maintained
- **Package maintainer familiarity**: Linux distributions know autotools well

**Cons:**
- **Complex syntax**: M4 macros and autotools conventions are difficult to learn/maintain
- **Windows support**: Poor native Windows support, requires MSYS2/Cygwin
- **Slow configure**: Generated configure scripts can be slow on large projects
- **IDE integration**: Limited modern IDE support
- **Maintenance burden**: More boilerplate code and complexity

## Migration Feasibility Assessment

### Effort Required for Full CMake Migration

**High Effort (6-12 months):**
- Convert 50+ Makefile.am files to CMakeLists.txt
- Rewrite configure.ac logic in CMake
- Update all build scripts and CI/CD pipelines
- Test on all supported platforms (Linux, Windows, macOS, various Unix)
- Update documentation and developer guides
- Coordinate with Apache Axis2/C maintainers and community

### Risk Assessment

**Risks:**
- **Breaking existing workflows** for contributors and packagers
- **Platform compatibility issues** during transition
- **Increased maintenance burden** during dual-system period
- **Community resistance** to major build system changes

**Benefits:**
- **Modernized development experience**
- **Better Windows support** for broader adoption
- **Simplified build configuration** for new contributors
- **Future-proofing** the project

## Recommendation

### Short Term (Apache Axis2/C 2.0.0)
**Stick with autotools** for the following reasons:
1. **Consistency** with existing codebase
2. **Proven stability** for release
3. **No migration risks** for major version
4. **Focus on native generator features** rather than build system changes

### Long Term Consideration
**Evaluate CMake migration** for future versions (2.1.0+) if:
1. **Community support** exists for the migration
2. **Windows adoption** becomes a priority
3. **Development resources** are available for the transition
4. **Apache foundation** approves the modernization effort

## Implementation Notes

The native WSDL2C generator currently includes:
- **Autotools integration** (Makefile.am) for production use
- **CMake files preserved** in version control for future evaluation
- **Dual build system documentation** for developers

This allows:
- Current release using autotools (stable)
- Future experimentation with CMake (when resources permit)
- Gradual migration path if desired

## Conclusion

While **CMake is technically superior** for modern C/C++ development, **autotools remains the practical choice** for Apache Axis2/C due to:
- Established ecosystem and workflows
- Risk mitigation for major releases
- Resource constraints for migration
- Community familiarity and expectations

The native generator's autotools integration provides immediate value while keeping CMake migration as a future option.