targetlinklibraries

Target_link_libraries is a CMake command used to specify which libraries should be linked with a given target. It affects the linking phase and, when used with scope keywords, the propagation of those libraries to targets that link to this target.

The basic usage follows the form: target_link_libraries(<target> [item1 ...]). Items can be other targets, full paths to libraries, or system libraries. Optional scope keywords control visibility and propagation: PRIVATE, PUBLIC, and INTERFACE. Generator expressions can be used to conditionally include libraries based on configuration, language, or other build variables.

Private dependencies (PRIVATE) are linked only for the target itself and are not propagated to dependents. Public dependencies (PUBLIC) are linked for the target and are also required by any target that links to it. Interface dependencies (INTERFACE) do not cause the target to link to those libraries themselves, but any target that links to this target must also link to them. Generator expressions allow fine-grained control, for example: target_link_libraries(myexe PRIVATE $<$<CONFIG:Debug>:debuglib>).

Examples:

- target_link_libraries(myapp PRIVATE pthread)

- target_link_libraries(my Lib PUBLIC Boost::Boost)

- target_link_libraries(myexe PRIVATE "$<$<CONFIG:Debug>:debugger>")

Notes: This command interacts with imported targets and interface libraries produced by find_package. Ensure libraries are discoverable by the linker and that any necessary include directories or interface requirements are set elsewhere in the CMake project.