Find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework) Fails

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Introduction

The find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework) command is a crucial step in the CMake build process, allowing developers to locate and include the Biomechanical Analysis Framework (BAF) in their projects. However, in some cases, this command may fail, resulting in errors and hindering the development process. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the failure of find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework) and provide a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue.

Understanding the Error Message

When find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework) fails, CMake generates an error message that provides valuable information about the root cause of the problem. The error message typically includes the following details:

  • The target name that was not found
  • The possible reasons for the failure, including:
    • A typo in the target name
    • A missing find_package call for an IMPORTED target
    • An ALIAS target is missing

Analyzing the Error Message

Let's take a closer look at the error message provided in the Additional Information section:

 │ CMake Error at $PREFIX/lib/cmake/BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework/BiomechanicalAnalysisFrameworkTargets.cmake:61 (set_target_properties):
 │   The link interface of target "BiomechanicalAnalysis::IK" contains:
 │     BipedalLocomotion::IK
 │   but the target was not found.  Possible reasons include:
 │     * There is a typo in the target name.
 │     * A find_package call is missing for an IMPORTED target.
 │     * An ALIAS target is missing.
 │ Call Stack (most recent call first):
 │   $PREFIX/lib/cmake/BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework/BiomechanicalAnalysisFrameworkConfig.cmake:22 (include)
 │   CMakeLists.txt:5 (find_package)
 │ CMake Error at $PREFIX/lib/cmake/BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework/BiomechanicalAnalysisFrameworkTargets.cmake:70 (set_target_properties):
 │   The link interface of target "BiomechanicalAnalysis::Logging" contains:
 │     BipedalLocomotion::TextLogging
 │   but the target was not found.  Possible reasons include:
 │     * There is a typo in the target name.
 │     * A find_package call is missing for an IMPORTED target.
 │     * An ALIAS target is missing.
 │ Call Stack (most recent call first):
 │   $PREFIX/lib/cmake/BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework/BiomechanicalAnalysisFrameworkConfig.cmake:22 (include)
 │   CMakeLists.txt:5 (find_package)
 │ CMake Error at $PREFIX/lib/cmake/BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework/BiomechanicalAnalysisFrameworkTargets.cmake:88 (set_target_properties):
 │   The link interface of target "BiomechanicalAnalysis::CommonConversions"
 │   contains:
 │     Eigen3::Eigen
 │   but the target was not found.  Possible reasons include

Identifying the Root Cause

After analyzing the error message, it becomes clear that the root cause of the problem is the missing public package dependencies of BAF in the CMake file. This is evident from the fact that the error message mentions the link interface of the target, which contains a dependency that was not found.

Comparing with Bipedal Locomotion Framework

To better understand the issue, let's compare the CMake file of BAF with the one of Bipedal Locomotion Framework (BLF). The BLF CMake file populates the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies GLOBAL PROPERTY, which is missing in the BAF CMake file.

Resolving the Issue

To resolve the issue, we need to populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies GLOBAL PROPERTY in the BAF CMake file. This can be done by manually setting the required public libraries in the CMake file. Alternatively, we can use the same approach as BLF and populate the property using the set_property command.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue:

  1. Locate the CMake file: Find the CMake file that is responsible for building the BAF package.
  2. Identify the missing dependencies: Analyze the error message to identify the missing dependencies.
  3. Populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property: Use the set_property command to populate the property with the required public libraries.
  4. Verify the changes: Rebuild the BAF package and verify that the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the failure of find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework) is often caused by missing public package dependencies of BAF in the CMake file. By analyzing the error message and comparing with the CMake file of BLF, we can identify the root cause of the problem and resolve it by populating the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, developers can resolve the issue and successfully build the BAF package.

Best Practices

To avoid similar issues in the future, follow these best practices:

  • Regularly update the CMake file: Keep the CMake file up-to-date with the latest dependencies and changes.
  • Use a consistent naming convention: Use a consistent naming convention for targets and dependencies to avoid typos and confusion.
  • Verify the dependencies: Verify that all dependencies are correctly set up and linked to the target.

By following these best practices, developers can ensure that their CMake files are well-maintained and free from errors, making it easier to build and deploy their packages.

Q&A: Resolving the Issue with find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework)

Q: What is the root cause of the failure of find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework)?

A: The root cause of the failure of find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework) is the missing public package dependencies of BAF in the CMake file.

Q: How can I identify the missing dependencies?

A: To identify the missing dependencies, analyze the error message provided by CMake. The error message typically includes the target name that was not found and the possible reasons for the failure, including a typo in the target name, a missing find_package call for an IMPORTED target, or an ALIAS target is missing.

Q: What is the difference between an IMPORTED target and an ALIAS target?

A: An IMPORTED target is a target that is imported from another package, while an ALIAS target is a target that is an alias for another target. In the context of find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework), an IMPORTED target is a target that is imported from the BAF package, while an ALIAS target is a target that is an alias for a target in the BAF package.

Q: How can I populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property?

A: To populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property, use the set_property command in the CMake file. This command sets the property to a list of public libraries that are required by the BAF package.

Q: What is the benefit of populating the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property?

A: Populating the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property ensures that the public libraries required by the BAF package are correctly linked to the target, resolving the issue with find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework).

Q: How can I verify that the issue is resolved?

A: To verify that the issue is resolved, rebuild the BAF package and check that the error message is no longer displayed. Additionally, verify that the target is correctly linked to the public libraries required by the BAF package.

Q: What are some best practices for avoiding similar issues in the future?

A: Some best practices for avoiding similar issues in the future include:

  • Regularly updating the CMake file to ensure that it is up-to-date with the latest dependencies and changes.
  • Using a consistent naming convention for targets and dependencies to avoid typos and confusion.
  • Verifying that all dependencies are correctly set up and linked to the target.

Q: Can you provide an example of how to populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property?

A: Here is an example of how to populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property:

set_property(GLOBAL PROPERTY BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies
  Eigen3::Eigen
  BipedalLocomotion::IK
  BipedalLocomotion::Logging
)

This code sets the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property to a list of public libraries required by the BAF package.

Q: Can you provide an example of how to use the set_property command to populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property?

A: Here is an example of how to use the set_property command to populate the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property:

set_property(GLOBAL PROPERTY BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies
  Eigen3::Eigen
  BipedalLocomotion::IK
  BipedalLocomotion::Logging
)

find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework REQUIRED)

This code sets the BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_PublicDependencies property to a list of public libraries required by the BAF package and then uses the find_package command to find the BAF package.

Q: Can you provide an example of how to verify that the issue is resolved?

A: Here is an example of how to verify that the issue is resolved:

find_package(BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework REQUIRED)

if (BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework_FOUND)
  message(STATUS "BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework found")
else ()
  message(FATAL_ERROR "BiomechanicalAnalysisFramework not found")
endif ()

This code uses the find_package command to find the BAF package and then checks if the package was found. If the package was found, it displays a message indicating that the package was found. If the package was not found, it displays a fatal error message indicating that the package was not found.