date - January 14, 2026

Compiling DAKOTA on Linux

DAKOTA stands for “Design Analysis toolKit for Optimization and Terascale Applications”. This open-source software is one of the most powerful and versatile tools available to support R&D departments in the design of new products.
With this tool, it is possible to perform:

  • Design optimization
  • Parameters estimation
  • Uncertainty quantification
  • Sensitivity analisys
DAKOTA logo

In this section, we will guide you through the compilation procedure on Linux Kubuntu 2404.
The INSTALL file contains a detailed description of the compilation procedure; please refer to the Source Quick Start section.
Vompared to other open-source projects, DAKOTA does not have complex dependancies and it follows a very simple and straighforward compilation process. To compile the Dakota source distribution, use CMake to populate a build tree for the target platform with the appropriate Makefiles, and then run 'make'.

  • Download the latest DAKOTA source code from the officially download page into your local download directory. For example:

    /home/userName/downloads/opt/DAKOTA

    We recommend using the Command Line Only version.

    DAKOTA source download page

  • Decompress the DAKOTA source archive using the following command:

    bash
    tar -zxvf dakota-6.23.0-public-src-cli.tar.gz

  • Navigate the DAKOTA src source folder and create the build directory:

    bash
    cd dakota-6.23.0-public-src-cli/
    mkdir build
    cd build/

  • Copy the DAKOTA build configuration file from the ../cmake/examples directory into this folder and rename it BuildDakotaCustom.cmake. In most cases, no change are required; however, consult the documentation if any specific requirements apply.

    bash
    cp ../cmake/examples/BuildDakotaTemplate.cmake BuildDakotaCustom.cmake

  • By default, DAKOTA is installaed in /usr/local. To change the installation directory, specify the following option:
    -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/path_where_to_install_DAKOTA.
    You may now run the standard build process:

    bash
    cmake -C BuildDakotaCustom.cmake ../

    make -j 8

    sudo make install

  • Now leave the DAKOTA download directory, return to the user home directory, and verify your installation with the following commands:

    bash
    cd ~

    dakota -v

  • DAKOTA will return the following output:

    bash
    Dakota version 6.23 released Nov. 17 2025.
    Repository revision a3b2eb477 (2025-11-12) built Jan 14 2026 12:27:01.
    • Back to Quick start section