Where has the "C projects" wizard gone ?

[lesnake]

Hello,
When using CDT up to 2024-12, when I create a "File/new/project", under "C/C++" there are 4 possibilities:
"C/C++ project"
"C++ project"
"C project"
"Makefile project with existing code"

Since 2025-03, there is only "C/C++ project". So I attempt to use this setting.

Left is 2024-12, right is 2025-03

When choosing this setting, the configuration is broken : project properties do not have a "C/C++ build" entry
Left is 2024-12, right is 2025-03

I've read the documentation here: https://help.eclipse.org/latest/index.jsp?topic=%2Forg.eclipse.cdt.doc.user%2Ftasks%2Fcdt_t_proj_build_set.htm
It shows the 2025-3 date and even the doc shows the menu.

I've also read 2025-3 release notes.

How can I work with my makefile based build process in 2025-3 ?

In the end, it is much more than a wizard issue.

Thanks for help.

PM

[almi33]

Hi,
Seems I have the same challenge and unfortunately the help is pretty outdated.
I experience two different cases - the first is creating a new project that will be built using manually written makefile/cmakelists and the second is importing C/C++ source tree with manually written makefile/cmakelists.
Eventually I have found a workaround.

In both cases I use "File/New/Project..." and select "General>Project" first.

Thus I either create a completely new project or type in a path to existing folder with all project related files (of course except for Eclipse related project files). In the latter case I have it in Eclipse workspace folder already.

Then I select just created project in Project Explorer and use "File/New/Convert to a C/C++ Project (Adds C/C++ Nature)".

Here it is possible to select Makefile project and toolchain - I use Cross GCC while you might have something else depending on what toolchains you have. Remember also to select whether it will be a C or C++ project.

PS
I also believe that creating of new Makefile projects is broken and need to be fixed.

[ghentschke]

See issue #965
The new C/C++ project wizard has been cleaned up. To create a new C/C++ project via (File) --> New --> C/C++ Project :

Then the project type can be selected:

[almi33]

Well, I've seen this dialog, sure.

[ghentschke]

But when creating a Makefile Project, the C/C++ Build entry is still missing in projects properties.

[ghentschke]

I would try to import the code in a new project. What MBS does is to create Make files for you. You can check in the project files that should compile the project on a remote build server like Jenkins or something.

[almi33]

I very appreciate you efforts.
I tried to create new project using "C Managed Build" option. Yes it creates project like the one created by "C Project > Makefile project" of original project wizard.
The source of the great confusion is that project wizard uses name "C Managed Build". This name as I remember had originally completely another meaning. Name "Managed project" meant that Eclipse CDT manages project - at least generate Makefile(s) using settings specified in Project properties and considering files in source folders. Name "Makefile project" meant that it is developer responsibility to write Makefile. For "Makefile project" there was an option to select "Generate Makefiles automatically" on a "Project properties > C/C++ Build" tab "Builder setting", but I have never used it because the whole purpose of "Makefile project" is to have own Makefile.
It would be nice to change names or to give a different description to "C Managed Build", "C++ Managed Build" and "Makefile project". Maybe words like classic for the old approach (Managed Build System) and modern for the new one (Core Build System) will make a job. Maybe.
Well there is still not clear how to use this new "Makefile project". But it is separate one, not for this discussion.
Thank you very much.

[ghentschke]

Well there is still not clear how to use this new "Makefile project".

Yes, that should be discussed as it confuses Users. What do think @jonahgraham ?

[jonahgraham]

@ghentschke if you are at the CDT call today (in about an hour) I have added this to the agenda #1298 (comment)

[ghentschke]

@ghentschke if you are at the CDT call today (in about an hour) I have added this to the agenda #1298 (comment)

Yes, I'll attend the call.

[ghentschke]

The Makefile project wizard has moved. To create it, see my answer above and on the next page, select the Project type Makefile project:

[ewaterlander]

To import existing code as a legacy C/C++ Makefile project do the following:

Menu : File > Import

Then in the import wizard you select: C/C++ > Existing Code as Makefile project.

[ewaterlander]

Hi @lesnake and @almi33 ,

The new Makefile project is new type of project that is based on the Core Build System, just like the CMake projects.
There is new documentation added in the Getting Started chapter of the user manual.

See also https://help.eclipse.org/latest/topic/org.eclipse.cdt.doc.user/getting_started/core_build_system.htm?cp=8_1_1_0

The documentation is not yet fully updated for the new Makefile and CMake type projects. All the documentation in the Concepts, Tasks, and Reference chapters is still related to the old legacy Makefile projects. Also the page referenced in the original post.

[lesnake]

Thanks for paying attention to my request.
I was disturbed by the fact that I had to click to managed project also to have a non managed project.
I also struggle with my devs to describe a task as "finished" when the doc is finished as well.