multimål

Multimål is a Swedish term that translates to "multi-target" or "multi-goal." It is often used in the context of programming and software development, particularly within build systems and package managers. In essence, a multimål refers to a single build configuration or a set of instructions that can produce multiple distinct outputs or achieve several different objectives.

For example, a multimål in a build system might be configured to compile source code into both an executable application and a library. Alternatively, it could be designed to perform a series of tasks, such as compiling code, running tests, and then packaging the results for distribution. This approach allows developers to manage complex build processes more efficiently by defining a single entry point for various related outcomes.

The concept of multimål promotes reusability and reduces redundancy. Instead of creating separate build scripts for each desired output, a multimål consolidates these into one. This simplifies project management and makes it easier to maintain and update build configurations. It is a common feature in modern build tools like CMake and Make, where targets can be defined to depend on each other or to produce different artifacts based on specific configurations or flags. The flexibility offered by multimål contributes to streamlined development workflows.