[CMake] xyz_LIBRARIES

[Craig Scott]

On 4 February 2016 at 04:45, Adam Rankin <arankin at robarts.ca> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
>
>
> I am trying to sort out a project with multiple layers of dependencies and
> I am trying to figure out the “right” way of configuring things.
>
>
>
> First easy question: Should a value xyz_LIBRARIES contain target names, or
> library file locations?
>

Preferably target names, assuming you mean imported targets (see answer to
next question).



>  Second question: Should a FindXYZ.cmake file add imported targets, or
> should a USE_xyz variable be created for later inclusion? (what if the
> project does not export its targets?)
>

Imported targets will be better for end users/developers. An imported
target can provide not just the library file location, it can also provide
other dependencies such as dependent libraries that also must be linked,
header search paths, etc. Furthermore, with an imported target you can
explicitly control what other targets are affected by these dependencies
simply by linking against your imported target. If you chose the USE_xyz
variable + include approach, then the include file will typically end up
calling  link_libraries(), link_directories() and/or include_directories()
commands and making those things apply to all targets defined thereafter,
which used to be the norm but is no longer necessary with all the
target_xxx() commands added in more recent versions of CMake (well, 2.8.11
or later).



>  Third question: How’s your day going today?
>

Ask me again after the coffee kicks in. :P


-- 
Craig Scott
Melbourne, Australia
http://crascit.com
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