Within CMake, the command for linking libraries to a target governs how different parts of a project are combined during the build process. For example, a target might be an executable or a shared library, and the linked libraries could provide external functionalities or dependencies. A simplified example might look like this: `target_link_libraries(my_executable PUBLIC some_library)`. This directs CMake to link `some_library` to `my_executable`, making the library’s functions and symbols available during compilation and linking.
This linking process is crucial for code reusability, modularity, and efficient project management. It enables developers to separate concerns, creating independent libraries for specific tasks, then seamlessly integrate these components into larger projects. Historically, linking has evolved from static linking, where libraries are directly embedded in the final executable, to dynamic linking, where libraries are loaded at runtime, leading to smaller executable sizes and shared library usage across the system. This command encapsulates this complex process within a concise and powerful directive.
