CMake is an open-source, cross-platform tool designed for build automation, testing, packaging, and installation of software, offering flexibility and compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows developers to generate build scripts that work on various platforms, making it particularly useful for teams using different operating systems and IDEs. CMake's ability to visualize project dependencies and support for integration with numerous IDEs, such as Visual Studio, CLion, and Atom, enhances its appeal, although inconsistencies in version usage across teams and limited information on certain versions can pose challenges. Installing CMake on Windows can be achieved through pre-compiled binaries, source builds, or package managers like Chocolatey, and it supports configuration through CMakePresets.json for tailored project setups. Developers can build and debug CMake projects using Visual Studio, which facilitates an organized workflow with options to configure build systems and handle debugging processes. While CMake may not be suitable for every developer, it offers robust solutions for projects needing versatile build systems, and tools like Earthly can further optimize build efficiency with enhanced caching capabilities.