On Monday, 6 March 2023 at 02:09:23 UTC, ryuukk_ wrote:
dub should build a static library for the project i build, that includes each library it uses that are referenced as "library" since the default is "staticLibrary" according to rikki
What you're asking for is a different use case. `staticLibrary` is for compiling a specific dub package as a static library. It does not imply that all of that package's dependencies should also be compiled into a single static library. Nor should it.
You're asking for a package and its dependencies to be bundled for use outside of the dub ecosystem as a single static library. I won't say it's not a legitimate use case, it's just not one that dub currently supports, nor was it originally intended to (I wouldn't expect it to be a common one either, but then again common expectations are always changing).
As a potential dub enhancement, e.g., `staticLibraryBundle`, I do agree it's worth exploring. I don't believe you can expect every package to "just work" in that environment. As Steve mentioned, there will always be link-time dependencies to any shared libraries on which those bundled libraries depend. And some packages may be set up in a way that causes issues, as Rikki noted when he said he had to make some tweaks on his successful build.
But for the time being, dealing with static libraries in D is just the same as dealing with them in the C and C++ world. They always have been a PITA to deal with, and that's why the trend in recent years has been to move away from them. Build tools like dub hide them from you when used as intended. It's when you mix build systems that you run into trouble.
Still, I suggest you send an email to soc...@dlang.org as part of the Gripes and Wishes campaign so that this gets added into the dataset. Anything that enhances dub's usability should be looked at.
