Understanding Static and Shared Libraries

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 125 views

Introduction

When working on a complex project, especially one that involves multiple libraries and frameworks, linking libraries can become a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the correct way to link libraries in a C++ project, specifically in the context of an Android project that builds native libMain.so using CMake.

Understanding Static and Shared Libraries

Before we dive into the details of linking libraries, it's essential to understand the difference between static and shared libraries.

Static Libraries: A static library is a collection of object files that are compiled and linked together to form a single executable file. When a program is compiled with a static library, the library's code is copied into the program's executable file. This means that the program does not need to have the library installed on the system to run.
Shared Libraries: A shared library, on the other hand, is a collection of object files that are compiled and linked together to form a dynamic link library (DLL). When a program is compiled with a shared library, the library's code is not copied into the program's executable file. Instead, the program links to the shared library at runtime, which means that the library must be installed on the system for the program to run.

Linking Libraries in CMake

CMake is a popular build system that is widely used in the C++ community. When working with CMake, linking libraries is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:

Find the Library: The first step is to find the library that you want to link to. This can be done using the find_package command in CMake. For example, to find the Boost library, you can use the following command:

find_package(Boost REQUIRED)

2.  **Link the Library**: Once you have found the library, you can link it to your target using the `target_link_libraries` command. For example, to link the Boost library to your target, you can use the following command:
    ```cmake
target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES})

Specify the Library Type: When linking a library, you need to specify the type of library that you are linking to. This can be done using the link_type option. For example, to link a shared library, you can use the following command:

target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES} LINK_TYPE SHARED)


**Best Practices for Linking Libraries**
-----------------------------------------
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when linking libraries:

Use the Correct Library Type: Make sure to use the correct library type when linking a library. This will ensure that your program is linked correctly and that the library is loaded correctly at runtime.
Specify the Library Version: When linking a library, make sure to specify the library version. This will ensure that your program is linked to the correct version of the library.
Use the target_link_libraries Command: The target_link_libraries command is the recommended way to link libraries in CMake. This command provides a lot of flexibility and allows you to specify the library type and version.
Avoid Using the link_directories Command: The link_directories command is an older command that is used to specify the directories where the linker should search for libraries. This command is deprecated and should not be used in new code.

Example CMakeLists.txt File
Here is an example CMakeLists.txt file that demonstrates how to link libraries:
cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.10)
project(MyProject)

find_package(Boost REQUIRED)

add_executable(${PROJECT_NAME} main.cpp)

target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES} LINK_TYPE SHARED)
</code></pre>
<p>In this example, we use the <code>find_package</code> command to find the Boost library, and then we use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> command to link the library to our target.</p>
<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p>Linking libraries is an essential part of building a C++ project, especially one that involves multiple libraries and frameworks. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your program is linked correctly and that the libraries are loaded correctly at runtime. Remember to use the correct library type, specify the library version, and use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> command to link libraries in CMake.</p>
<h2><strong>Common Issues and Solutions</strong></h2>
<p>Here are some common issues that you may encounter when linking libraries, along with their solutions:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Issue: Library not found</strong>: Solution: Make sure that the library is installed on the system and that the CMake build system can find it.</li>
<li><strong>Issue: Library version mismatch</strong>: Solution: Make sure to specify the correct library version when linking the library.</li>
<li><strong>Issue: Library type mismatch</strong>: Solution: Make sure to use the correct library type when linking the library.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Android NDK and Shared Libraries</strong></h2>
<p>When working with the Android NDK, you may need to link shared libraries to your native code. Here are some tips to keep in mind:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use the <code>ndk-build</code> Command</strong>: The <code>ndk-build</code> command is used to build native code for Android. Make sure to use this command to build your native code.</li>
<li><strong>Specify the Library Type</strong>: When linking a shared library, make sure to specify the library type using the <code>link_type</code> option.</li>
<li><strong>Use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> Command</strong>: The <code>target_link_libraries</code> command is the recommended way to link libraries in CMake. This command provides a lot of flexibility and allows you to specify the library type and version.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<code></code>

<h2><strong>Introduction</strong></h2>
<p>In our previous article, we explored the correct way to link libraries in a C++ project, specifically in the context of an Android project that builds native <a href="http://libMain.so">libMain.so</a> using CMake. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about linking libraries.</p>
<h2><strong>Q: What is the difference between static and shared libraries?</strong></h2>
<p>A: A static library is a collection of object files that are compiled and linked together to form a single executable file. When a program is compiled with a static library, the library's code is copied into the program's executable file. A shared library, on the other hand, is a collection of object files that are compiled and linked together to form a dynamic link library (DLL). When a program is compiled with a shared library, the library's code is not copied into the program's executable file. Instead, the program links to the shared library at runtime.</p>
<h2><strong>Q: How do I link a library in CMake?</strong></h2>
<p>A: To link a library in CMake, you can use the <code>find_package</code> command to find the library, and then use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> command to link the library to your target. For example:</p>
<pre><code class="hljs">find_package(Boost REQUIRED)
target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES})
</code></pre>
<h2><strong>Q: What is the <code>link_type</code> option in CMake?</strong></h2>
<p>A: The <code>link_type</code> option in CMake is used to specify the type of library that you are linking to. For example, to link a shared library, you can use the following command:</p>
<pre><code class="hljs">target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES} LINK_TYPE SHARED)
</code></pre>
<h2><strong>Q: How do I specify the library version in CMake?</strong></h2>
<p>A: To specify the library version in CMake, you can use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> command with the <code>VERSION</code> option. For example:</p>
<pre><code class="hljs">target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES} VERSION 1.67)
</code></pre>
<h2><strong>Q: What is the difference between <code>target_link_libraries</code> and <code>link_directories</code> in CMake?</strong></h2>
<p>A: The <code>target_link_libraries</code> command is the recommended way to link libraries in CMake. This command provides a lot of flexibility and allows you to specify the library type and version. The <code>link_directories</code> command, on the other hand, is an older command that is used to specify the directories where the linker should search for libraries. This command is deprecated and should not be used in new code.</p>
<h2><strong>Q: How do I link a library in an Android project that builds native <a href="http://libMain.so">libMain.so</a> using CMake?</strong></h2>
<p>A: To link a library in an Android project that builds native <a href="http://libMain.so">libMain.so</a> using CMake, you can use the <code>find_package</code> command to find the library, and then use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> command to link the library to your target. For example:</p>
<pre><code class="hljs">find_package(Boost REQUIRED)
target_link_libraries(${PROJECT_NAME} ${Boost_LIBRARIES} LINK_TYPE SHARED)
</code></pre>
<h2><strong>Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter when linking libraries?</strong></h2>
<p>A: Some common issues that you may encounter when linking libraries include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Library not found</strong>: Make sure that the library is installed on the system and that the CMake build system can find it.</li>
<li><strong>Library version mismatch</strong>: Make sure to specify the correct library version when linking the library.</li>
<li><strong>Library type mismatch</strong>: Make sure to use the correct library type when linking the library.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with linking libraries?</strong></h2>
<p>A: To troubleshoot issues with linking libraries, you can try the following:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Check the CMake build output</strong>: Make sure that the CMake build system is able to find the library and link it correctly.</li>
<li><strong>Check the library version</strong>: Make sure to specify the correct library version when linking the library.</li>
<li><strong>Check the library type</strong>: Make sure to use the correct library type when linking the library.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p>In conclusion, linking libraries is an essential part of building a C++ project, especially one that involves multiple libraries and frameworks. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your program is linked correctly and that the libraries are loaded correctly at runtime. Remember to use the correct library type, specify the library version, and use the <code>target_link_libraries</code> command to link libraries in CMake.</p>


                
                    
                        

                    
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