A Common Package Specification: Getting Build Tools to Talk to Each Other - Lessons Learned

Explore a comprehensive conference talk from CppCon 2023 that delves into the challenges and solutions for creating a Common Package Specification in C++. Learn about the experiences gained from implementing thousands of binaries consumable by various build systems. Discover the key components of an effective package specification, including folder representation, path relativity, preprocessor definitions, compiler flags, and component relationships. Examine implementation challenges and their potential solutions, such as mapping to popular build systems, handling user configurations, and managing runtime dependencies. Gain insights from years of real-world experience in developing interoperability between build systems and package managers, a crucial aspect of the C++ tooling ecosystem.