How to Effectively Manage Dependencies in CMake for Multiple Projects?

Multiple Project Dependency Management in CMake

In a project with numerous subprojects that use shared libraries, managing dependencies can be a challenge. CMake provides several options to establish dependencies among projects.

Separate Project Method

If the libraries are not actively under development, consider creating separate CMake projects for each library. This isolates library development from the main project and simplifies dependency management.

Integrated Project Method

For ease of development, incorporate the libraries into the same CMake project as the main application. However, this requires careful dependency ordering and assumes that adding a library's subdirectory creates a ready-to-use target.

Recommended Best Practices

• Create full-featured library targets with all necessary include directories using target_include_directories().
• Link libraries through target_link_libraries(), potentially with the PRIVATE modifier.

Dependency Setup

Separate Project Method:

• Each library project installs a config module describing header and library locations.
• The main project uses find_package() to locate and integrate dependencies.

Integrated Project Method:

• The main project's CMakeLists.txt includes subdirectories of libraries.
• The main project is responsible for adding immediate and transitive dependencies in the correct order.

Hybrid Approach

A mix of both methods is possible, allowing for flexibility in dependency management. Consider using ExternalProject for externally built libraries that are not installed.

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