CMake: How to Manage Dependencies in Projects with Multiple Modules?

CMake: Dependencies Management for Source, Library, and CMakeLists.txt

Problem:

Managing dependencies between source code, libraries, and CMakeLists.txt files can be challenging in CMake projects with multiple modules. This article explores two main approaches to effectively handle such dependencies.

Method 1: Centralized Dependencies in Single Project

• Add subdirectories of libraries within the app's CMakeLists.txt.
• Define dependencies and add them in the correct order.
• Create full-featured library targets with all necessary information, including include directories.

Method 2: External Library Building and Installation

• Build libraries in separate CMake projects and install them.
• Use find_package to locate library config-modules.
• Dependencies are handled by the config-modules upon installation.

Additional Considerations:

• Mixing methods 1 and 2 is possible to accommodate both development and third-party libraries.
• ExternalProject module offers a compromise, including external library projects but with limitations.
• The export() command can be utilized to use library artifacts from source/build locations without installation.

Conclusion:

The choice of dependency management approach depends on the project requirements and preferences. Both methods provide effective solutions, with method 1 emphasizing central management within a single project and method 2 focusing on separation of library building and installation.

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