Include file dependencies in Visual Studio 2017 C++ projects

Question

I am using Visual Studio 2017 and would like to understand include file dependency propagation.

In my solution file, I have C++ projects A, B, C. A has 'Additional Include Directories' set for external libraries, 'Additional Library Directories' for libraries, and specifies external.lib in 'External Dependencies'. Project B needs to use A, and Project C needs to use Project B. What is the recommended way to setup these project dependencies? I can manually setup everything through 'Additional Include Directories' and 'External Dependencies', but I am looking for a way to transitively propagate these dependencies.

Related to this, do I need to add Project A in 'Additional Include Directories' of Project B, and A.lib as an 'External Dependency'?

Answer 1

Hi Amir Ansari,

There is no transitive dependency in the static library. We assume that lib2 links lib1. At this time, lib2 can get the content in lib1, and then there is a project that needs to use the content in lib1 and lib2., you couldn't just link lib2, you need to link both libraries and add dependencies.

If there are too many static libraries that need to be linked, this is a very tedious operation. If this happens, I suggest you merge the contents of the library or use a dynamic library.

Best regards,

Elya

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