If you just want to goof around with cascades, you can use this gui tool:
https://amin-ahmadi.com/cascade-trainer-gui/
Otherwise, here's how to compile:
Programs you will need: git, cmake and
Visual Studio (with c/c++) (I used VS 2019)
Open commandline (cmd) in a folder of your choice.
Run the command:
git clone 3.4 https://github.com/opencv/opencv.git
(the reason why version 3.4 is chosen is because
traincascade doesn't work in newer versions of opencv)
In your folder you should now have a folder called 'opencv'
Now create a new folder (not inside opencv,
but inside the 'folder of your choice')
Open commandline in that folder
Run the command: cmake -DBUILD_EXSAMPLES=ON ../opencv
Wait a long time for cmake to finish
Inside the folder you created for cmake, open
apps/traincascade/opencv_traincascade.sln with Visual Studio
In VS, on the top of the screen change the
Solution Configurations from 'Debug' to 'Release'
In the solution explorer inside VS, click the folder applications
Then right-click opencv_traincascade, select
Project Only -> Build only opencv_traincascade
(you might first have to select Clean Only opencv_traincascade)
It should now be compiling.
When compiling is done, the executable should be in
[cmakefolder]/bin/release/opencv_traincascade.exe
To actually use the program, see
https://docs.opencv.org/3.4/dc/d88/tutorial_traincascade.html
Running the program goes like this:
open command line in [cmakefolder]/bin/release
Run the command:
opencv_traincascade -commandoption1 argument1 -commandoption2 argument2
Of course you have to fill in the commandoptions yourself
(again, see https://docs.opencv.org/3.4/dc/d88/tutorial_traincascade.html)