CMAKEBINARYDIRdeps

CMAKE_BINARY_DIR is an important variable in CMake, the cross-platform build system generator. It refers to the directory where all the build system files and temporary files are stored during the build process. This directory is typically created by CMake when it is run and is distinct from the source directory, which contains the original source code files.

The CMAKE_BINARY_DIR variable is automatically set by CMake and points to the top-level directory of the build tree. It is used by various CMake commands and variables to locate build-related files and directories. For example, the CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR variable provides the path to the current binary directory, which is useful for commands that need to operate within the context of a specific subdirectory.

One common use of CMAKE_BINARY_DIR is to specify the location for generated files such as object files, executables, and libraries. By default, these files are placed in the binary directory, but this can be customized using CMake commands like add_executable, add_library, and set_target_properties.

Understanding and utilizing CMAKE_BINARY_DIR is crucial for managing complex build systems, as it helps organize the build process and ensures that build artifacts are properly separated from the source code. Developers can also use this variable to perform operations like cleaning the build directory or inspecting the build configuration.