In CMake, extracting the include directories associated with a specific target is essential for correctly compiling dependent projects or libraries. This information allows the compiler to locate necessary header files during the build process. Typically achieved using the `target_include_directories()` command, this operation retrieves both public and private include paths declared for the target. For example, if `my_library` is a target with specified include directories, these paths can be retrieved and used when compiling another target that depends on `my_library`.
This functionality provides a modular and robust approach to managing dependencies. Without it, developers would have to manually specify include paths, leading to brittle build configurations prone to errors and difficult to maintain, especially in complex projects. The ability to query these paths directly from the target ensures consistency and simplifies the integration of external libraries or components. This mechanism has become increasingly important as modern software development emphasizes modular design and code reuse.
