Setting CMake Include Environment Variable

When working with CMake, it's essential to specify the location of the compiler toolchain. This can be done by setting either the environment variable 'CXX' or the CMake cache entry CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER to the full path of the compiler. In this article, we will explore how to set the CMake include environment variable and its importance.

What is CMake?

Before diving into the details, let's quickly understand what CMake is. CMake is a build system generator that automates the creation of build files for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows developers to specify their project's build requirements, such as compiler flags, libraries, and executables, in a human-readable format.

Why Set the CMake Include Environment Variable?

When you set the CMake include environment variable, you're telling the compiler where to find the necessary tools and libraries for building your project. This is crucial because different compilers have different installation paths and configurations. By setting the correct environment variable, you ensure that CMake can generate the correct build files and compile your code successfully.

How to Set the CMake Include Environment Variable

To set the CMake include environment variable, you can use one of two methods:

1. Environment Variable 'CXX': You can set the 'CXX' environment variable to the full path of the compiler executable. For example, if your GCC compiler is installed at `/usr/bin/gcc`, you would set `CXX=/usr/bin/gcc`.

2. CMake Cache Entry CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER: Alternatively, you can specify the compiler location in the CMake cache entry CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER. This approach is more flexible and allows you to switch between different compilers or versions.

Example Configuration

Let's consider an example scenario where we want to set the CMake include environment variable for GCC version 8.4.0 on Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS.

```bash

$ export CXX=/usr/bin/gcc-8

```

```cmake

set(CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER '/usr/bin/gcc-8')

```

In conclusion, setting the CMake include environment variable is a crucial step in ensuring successful compilation of your project. By specifying the location of the compiler toolchain, you can avoid errors and issues that arise from incorrect configuration. Whether you choose to set the 'CXX' environment variable or the CMake cache entry CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER, make sure to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth development process.

Additional Tips

* Make sure to replace `/usr/bin/gcc-8` with the actual path of your compiler executable.

* If you're using a different compiler toolchain, such as Clang or MinGW, adjust the environment variable accordingly.

* CMake also supports other compilers like Intel Compiler Suite and IBM XL C/C++ Compiler. Refer to the CMake documentation for more information on setting up these compilers.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to successfully set the CMake include environment variable and ensure a trouble-free development experience with your preferred compiler toolchain.

Cmake include environment variable