There are alternatives that satisfy this (valid, IMO) requirement. For example, there is build2 (https://build2.org https://build2.org ; full disclousure: I am

There are alternatives that satisfy this (valid, IMO) requirement. For example, there is build2 (https://build2.org https://build2.org ; full disclousure: I am involved with the project) that tries to achieve the same objectives (correct & fast builds, uniform interface accross platforms, being language agnostic, etc) though not necessarily using the same mechanisms (build2, for example, tries to be fairly light-weight). Here is the introduction if anyone is interested: https://build2.org/build2/doc/build2-build-system-manual.xhtml#intro https://build2.org/build2/doc/build2-build-system-manual.xht...