FASTBuild review
A free, open-source choice for native projects that need parallel and distributed builds.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
FASTBuild is an open-source native build system for software projects that need parallel and distributed compilation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, using human-readable configuration files to define compilers, object lists, libraries, executables and tests. Its feature set suits development teams working with native codebases, multiple build configurations or networked build machines. It can also generate Visual Studio and Xcode projects, making it relevant to teams using those development environments.
The build engine combines parallel compilation across worker threads with distributed compilation using network workers. Local and network build caching, incremental builds and no-op build optimization are designed to reduce repeated work. FASTBuild also supports automatically generated Unity/Blob builds, executable and statically linked library builds, captured test output, build statistics and reports. These capabilities give native projects a broad build-focused toolkit, while the configuration language keeps build definitions in a readable, pipeline-as-code format. The system integrates with Visual Studio, Xcode, MSVC, GCC, Clang, SNC, GreenHills, CodeWarrior and CUDA.
Its open-source model provides downloadable binaries and source under a permissive license, with a verified free plan rather than a set of paid tiers. That makes FASTBuild suitable for teams that want direct control over their build infrastructure and can manage worker machines themselves. The product is a stronger fit for native compilation than for teams seeking a managed build service or a wider release-automation platform. Choose it when distributed compilation, caching and native project generation are central requirements; consider an alternative when you need paid support tiers, hosted infrastructure or workflows extending beyond build and test execution.
FASTBuild pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Parallel and distributed compilation across local or network workers
- Local and network caching with incremental and no-op build optimization
- Visual Studio and Xcode generation plus built-in test execution
- Where it doesn't
- No paid tiers or managed service options
- Distributed compilation requires available network worker machines
- Focused on native build workflows rather than broader release automation
FASTBuild fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update