# Where did \`--generate\` come from, and where did it go?
**URL:** https://discourse.cmake.org/t/where-did-generate-come-from-and-where-did-it-go/3057
**Category:** Usage
**Created:** [March 31, 2021, 6:18pm UTC](https://discourse.cmake.org/t/where-did-generate-come-from-and-where-did-it-go/3057 "2021-03-31T18:18:58Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Chris](https://discourse.cmake.org/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2021, 6:18pm UTC](https://discourse.cmake.org/t/where-did-generate-come-from-and-where-did-it-go/3057/1 "2021-03-31T18:18:58Z")
I have some local build utility scripts that I use to keep different generates updated. Somehow, I wound up with this:
```
cmake --generate _ninja
cmake --generate _vs
```
As a way to make sure local `CMakeLists.txt` changes are reflected in my projects.
This works fine on CMake 3.19.7, but updating to 3.20.0 appears to have removed this flag. I tried searching for more context on this and cannot find anything online that suggests this flag even exists. I tried Release Notes, `--help`, and grepping the CMake code on GitHub. No dice.
Was this an internal CLI flag? Where did it go? I’m fine adjusting my scripts but I’m frustrated that:
1. Used an internal/unstable flag by accident for so long
2. Cannot find any reference to it anywhere. Where in the CMake code was this defined?!
Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!
---
### Author:  [@kyle.edwards](https://discourse.cmake.org/u/kyle.edwards)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2021, 6:51pm UTC](https://discourse.cmake.org/t/where-did-generate-come-from-and-where-did-it-go/3057/2 "2021-03-31T18:51:23Z")
`--generate` was never a CMake flag. It was never in the documentation. It “worked” before because CMake silently ignored `-` arguments that it didn’t recognize. Starting with CMake 3.20, such arguments are now an error.
Are `_ninja` and `_vs` build directories? Source directories?
---
### Author:  [@Chris](https://discourse.cmake.org/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2021, 6:57pm UTC](https://discourse.cmake.org/t/where-did-generate-come-from-and-where-did-it-go/3057/3 "2021-03-31T18:57:45Z")
Yes, they are build directories. Made the usual way: `cmake -B _ninja -G Ninja`, etc.
> It “worked” before because CMake silently ignored
… that makes sense, and now I just feel silly. This is a good improvement in 3.20, and explains why I couldn’t find any references to it.
Thanks!
---
### Author:  [@kyle.edwards](https://discourse.cmake.org/u/kyle.edwards)
#### Post date: [March 31, 2021, 6:59pm UTC](https://discourse.cmake.org/t/where-did-generate-come-from-and-where-did-it-go/3057/4 "2021-03-31T18:59:16Z")
Cc: @robert.maynard