zsh: command not found: cmake

3 min read 23-11-2024

The error message "zsh: command not found: cmake" indicates that your Z shell (zsh) cannot locate the CMake program. This is a common issue, especially for developers working with C++ and other languages that rely on CMake for building projects. This guide provides a step-by-step solution to resolve this problem.

Understanding the Error

Before diving into solutions, let's understand why this error occurs. The "command not found" message means your system's shell cannot find the executable file for cmake in its search path. This path specifies the directories where the shell looks for commands. If cmake isn't installed or isn't in the path, you get this error.

How to Fix "zsh: command not found: cmake"

The solution involves installing CMake and ensuring it's accessible to your zsh shell. Here's a breakdown of the process, tailored for different operating systems:

1. Verifying CMake Installation

Before installing, let's check if CMake is already installed but not accessible:

Check your system's package manager: Many Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian) and macOS using Homebrew use a package manager to handle software installation. Try searching for cmake using your distribution's package manager (e.g., apt list cmake on Debian/Ubuntu, dnf search cmake on Fedora). If it's installed, proceed to the path configuration section below.

2. Installing CMake

If CMake isn't installed, you'll need to install it using your system's package manager or a dedicated installer.

Linux (Using apt):

Open your terminal and execute:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install cmake

Linux (Using yum/dnf):

sudo yum update  # Or sudo dnf update
sudo yum install cmake  # Or sudo dnf install cmake

macOS (Using Homebrew):

brew install cmake

macOS (Using MacPorts):

sudo port install cmake

Windows:

Download the appropriate installer from the official CMake website (https://cmake.org/download/). Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to add CMake to your system's PATH environment variable during installation.

3. Configuring the PATH Environment Variable

Even after installation, cmake might not be in your zsh's PATH. This means your shell doesn't know where to find it. Here's how to add it:

Temporarily (for the current session): You can add the directory containing the cmake executable to your PATH for the current terminal session only. Find the location of the cmake executable (using which cmake might help if it's already installed) and then add it to the PATH using the export command:

export PATH="$PATH:/path/to/cmake/bin"  # Replace /path/to/cmake/bin with the actual path

Permanently (recommended): For a permanent solution, you need to modify your zsh configuration file (usually ~/.zshrc). Open this file in a text editor:

nano ~/.zshrc

Add the following line, replacing /path/to/cmake/bin with the actual path to your CMake installation's bin directory:

export PATH="$PATH:/path/to/cmake/bin"

Save the file and then either source the file (. ~/.zshrc) or restart your terminal for the changes to take effect.

4. Verifying the Installation

After installation and path configuration, try running cmake --version in your terminal. If CMake is correctly installed and configured, you should see the version number.

Troubleshooting Further Issues

If you still encounter problems:

Incorrect Path: Double-check the path you added to your PATH environment variable. A typo can prevent CMake from being found.
Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to execute the cmake executable.
Multiple CMake Installations: If you have multiple versions of CMake installed, make sure your PATH points to the correct one.
zsh Configuration: If you're still facing issues, check your ~/.zshrc file for any conflicts or errors in the PATH configuration.
Reinstall CMake: As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling CMake to ensure a clean installation.

By following these steps, you should successfully resolve the "zsh: command not found: cmake" error and get back to building your projects. Remember to consult your operating system's documentation or CMake's official website for more detailed instructions if needed.