CMake Throws Error: Could Not Load Cache – Causes, Solutions & Prevention

The error “CMake throws error: could not load cache” occurs when CMake, a popular build system generator, fails to read its cache file. This cache file stores crucial configuration data for the build process. When this error arises, it can disrupt the build workflow, making it a significant issue for developers who rely on CMake for efficient project management and compilation.

Causes of the Error

Here are the common causes of the “CMake throws error could not load cache” issue:

1. Corrupted Cache Files: The cache file might be corrupted, preventing CMake from loading it properly.
2. Missing Cache Files: If the cache file is missing, CMake cannot load it.
3. Version Incompatibilities: The cache file may not be compatible with the version of CMake you are using.
4. Invalid Data in Cache File: The cache file might contain invalid data that CMake cannot process.
5. Cache File in Use by Another Process: Another process might be using the cache file, causing a conflict.

Diagnosing the Error

1. Check for Corruption: Open the CMakeCache.txt file in a text editor and look for any errors or unusual entries.
2. Verify Compatibility: Ensure the cache file is compatible with your CMake version. If the cache was created with a different version, you might need to regenerate it.
3. Delete Cache File: Remove the CMakeCache.txt file to force CMake to create a new one.
4. Re-run CMake: Execute CMake again to generate a fresh cache file.

These steps should help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Solutions to Fix the Error

Here are some solutions to resolve the “CMake throws error could not load cache” error:

1. Delete the Cache File: Remove the CMakeCache.txt file in your project’s top-level directory.
2. Regenerate the Cache: Run cmake -S . -B ./build to regenerate the cache.
3. Update CMake: Ensure you’re using the latest version of CMake.
4. Check for Corruption: Open the cache file in a text editor and look for errors.
5. Reset Cache in IDE: If using an IDE like CLion, use the “Reset Cache and Reload Project” option.

These steps should help resolve the issue.

Preventing the Error

Here are some tips to prevent the “CMake throws error could not load cache” issue:

1. Use the latest CMake version.
2. Avoid manual changes to the cache file.
3. Ensure the cache file is compatible with your CMake version.
4. Keep the cache file in the correct directory.
5. Make sure the cache file is readable by CMake.

Hope this helps!

The ‘CMake throws error could not load cache’ Issue

The ‘CMake throws error could not load cache’ issue occurs when CMake fails to read its cache file, disrupting the build workflow.

Common causes include:

• Corrupted cache files
• Missing cache files
• Version incompatibilities
• Invalid data
• Cache file conflicts

Resolving the Issue

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Check for corruption and verify compatibility.
2. Delete the cache file and re-run CMake.

Solutions

The following solutions can help resolve the ‘CMake throws error could not load cache’ issue:

• Delete the cache file and regenerate it.
• Update CMake to the latest version.
• Check for corruption in the cache file.
• Reset the cache in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

Preventing the Issue

To prevent this issue from occurring, follow these best practices:

1. Use the latest CMake version.
2. Avoid manual changes to the cache file.
3. Ensure compatibility between CMake and other tools.
4. Keep the cache file in the correct directory.
5. Make sure the cache file is readable by CMake.