Improve c-api behavior when used as a CMake subproject#13157
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alexcrichton merged 1 commit intoApr 21, 2026
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This commit adds one new CMake option and changes the default behavior when being used as a subproject. First, off, the `WASMTIME_ALWAYS_INSTALL` option was added, to override the new behavior and keep it working like it was previously. Next, we check to see if the wasmtime cmake project is being used as a subproject (e.g. it was loaded up with `add_subdirectory`) if so, then we disable the installation of the headers and static library artifacts. However if `BUILD_SHARED_LIBS` is enabled, even as a subproject we always install the shared object artifact. If `WASMTIME_ALWAYS_INSTALL` is set, then regardless we install everything as before.
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Seems reasonable to me, thanks!
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Hey it's me again!
I expect a bit of deliberation on this as it changes some default behaviour, and could likely be massaged a bit to be a bit better in a way that I'm likely not thinking of, but here's the gist.
This PR adds one new CMake option and changes the default behavior when being used as a subproject.
First, off, the
WASMTIME_ALWAYS_INSTALLoption was added, to override the new behavior and keep it working like it was previously.Next, we check to see if the wasmtime cmake project is being used as a subproject (e.g. it was loaded up with
add_subdirectory) if so, then we disable the installation of the headers and static library artifacts. However ifBUILD_SHARED_LIBSis enabled, even as a subproject we always install the shared object artifact. IfWASMTIME_ALWAYS_INSTALLis set, then regardless we install everything as before.If keeping old behaviour as a default is prefered, then it would be easy enough to flip things around and rename
WASMTIME_ALWAYS_INSTALLand have it turn-off installing things when being used as a subproject. I know changing defaults out from under people is not very nice, but my personal opinion on this is that this is generally how well-behaved subprojects are expected to act anyway.Either way, look forward to your feedback and thoughts!