## Can CMake Handle Multiple Compilers for the Same Language in a Single CMakeLists.txt?

Using CMake with Multiple Compilers for the Same Language: A Conundrum

CMake's default behavior poses a challenge when attempting to utilize multiple compilers for the same language, such as C . The configuration mandates a single CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER for all C source files, inhibiting per-target compiler specification within a single CMakeLists.txt. This poses a significant obstacle when combining host and cross-compiling operations.

Overriding Compiler Per Target

To address this issue, some may instinctively seek a way to override the compiler choice on a per-target basis. However, CMake does not offer this flexibility. It maintains a single set of compiler properties applicable to all targets within a CMakeLists.txt file.

Single Command Dilemma

The prescribed approach of running CMake multiple times to accommodate different compilers may disrupt the ideal scenario of building with a single command. To mitigate this inconvenience, users may resort to custom commands. However, this solution compromises the clarity and maintainability of the build process, resembling glorified shell scripts.

Separate CMakeLists.txt: A Pragmatic Solution

A more elegant solution lies in avoiding the inclusion of multiple compiler configurations within a single CMakeLists.txt. Given the impossibility of linking between different architectures, there is no compelling reason for them to coexist in the same file. Refactoring common CMake script elements into reusable separate files allows for greater code organization.

The drawback of this approach is the loss of single-command building capability. This inconvenience can be remedied by constructing a wrapper script that orchestrates the execution of multiple CMake-makefiles. While it may break the apparent simplicity of a single build command, it ultimately promotes a cleaner separation of concerns and better code management.

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