Is there a better way to compile a desktop app for Windows, Linux, and Mac than using multiple VMs?

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Asked By TechWizard99 On

Hey everyone! I've been working as a DevOps engineer for a few years, but I've never really dealt with compiled code before. My team is currently developing a desktop application in C++, and our lead developer is suggesting that we set up a Windows VM, a Linux VM, and get a dedicated Mac to handle the builds for each operating system. We're using GitHub Actions, but I'm wondering if there's a more efficient way to manage this? It feels a bit cumbersome to juggle three separate VMs. Is this the common approach, or are there better alternatives?

4 Answers

Answered By DevGuru88 On

You might want to consider using managed runners and platform builds. There are specific images available for all three operating systems, which could simplify things for you.

Answered By VirtualViking74 On

Another option is to combine the Windows and Linux VMs since Windows can run Linux Docker containers using WSL. This could reduce the total number of VMs you need.

Answered By CodeMaster007 On

Yep, that setup is pretty normal if you're developing native C++ applications. Keep in mind that for macOS builds, you'll need to legally use Apple hardware.

Answered By CloudNinja42 On

It totally depends on your application's requirements and build frequency. If the project isn't too heavy and you aren’t compiling constantly, a dedicated runner could save some costs—especially if you set up a cheap PC for this. But if you only need to compile a couple of times a week, the cloud options could definitely be more cost-effective in the long run.

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