The Orca Build System

Note:

Reviewed for release 2.13.0.

Orca uses CMake to handle its build system. CMake is a cross-platform tool, designed as a replacement for autotools.

Basics

Builds are controlled by a set of files called 'CMakeLists.txt'. There is approximately one in each directory, and builds descend recursively through the source tree.

If you just want to see how to initiate a build, see instructions on getting Orca or read the 'INSTALL' file at the top level of Orca distribution.

Details

The build system for orca consists of a set of 'CMakeLists.txt' files, many of which INCLUDE a set of helper .cmake files. The .cmake files live in the top-level [ORCA-SRC]/cmake directory.

The top-level CMakeLists.txt file:

• Checks for global requirements, e.i. Ice, Hydro, and Gearbox.
• Sets globally useful variables, e.g. which OS is being used, location of commonly used directories, etc.

Individual components maintain their own CMakeLists.txt files. For more details see a step-by-step commentary on the CMakeLists.txt file of the example Brick component.