This command provides compile definitions to a goal. These definitions are added to the compiler command line through `-D` flags and are seen throughout compilation of supply information related to the goal. For instance, `target_compile_definitions(my_target PUBLIC FOO=1 BAR)` would end result within the compiler flags `-DFOO=1 -DBAR` being added to the compile command for `my_target`. Definitions could be set to particular values, or just outlined and not using a worth. Scopes out there are `PUBLIC` (seen to dependents), `PRIVATE` (seen solely to the goal itself), and `INTERFACE` (seen solely to dependents).
Managing compile definitions by way of this command promotes organized and maintainable construct configurations. Centralizing definitions throughout the CMakeLists.txt file enhances readability, simplifies debugging, and improves collaboration amongst builders. Earlier than CMake 3.12, utilizing `add_definitions()` was the widespread method. Nonetheless, this methodology utilized definitions globally, doubtlessly resulting in unintended penalties and making complicated initiatives tougher to handle. The target-specific method provides finer management and avoids the pitfalls of world definitions, notably very important for bigger initiatives and libraries with dependencies.
