How to Set Environment Variables with CMake

When it comes to building software, environment variables play a crucial role in storing information that can be used by the compiler, linker, and other tools during the build process. In this guide, we will explore how to set environment variables using CMake, including both local and global settings.

Setting Environment Variables Globally with CMake

To set an environment variable globally, you can use the `-D` option in your `CMake` command. For example, the following code would set the `CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE` environment variable to the value `Debug`:

`cmake -D CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Debug path/to/your/project`

Setting Environment Variables Locally with CMake

To set an environment variable locally, you can use the `set()` function in your `CMakeLists.txt` file. For instance, the following command would set the `HOME` environment variable to the value `/home/user`:

`set(HOME '/home/user')`

Understanding Environment Variables

An environment variable is a piece of information that is stored in the environment of a running process. It can be used to store anything from the user's home directory to the path to a particular file. Environment variables are typically set using the `set` command.

Benefits of Using Environment Variables with CMake

By setting environment variables with CMake, you will be able to use them to improve the performance and portability of your builds. You can also use them to store information that can be used by the compiler, linker, and other tools during the build process.

In this guide, we have covered the basics of environment variables and shown you how to set them both locally and globally using CMake. By the end of this article, you should have a solid understanding of how to use environment variables with CMake to improve your build process.

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