Conan 2.0 | C++ Package Manager - A detailed introduction

2 min read 4 months ago
Published on Apr 22, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Using Conan 2.0 as a Package Manager for C and C++ Developers

1. Introduction to Conan 2.0:

  • Conan 2.0 is a package manager designed for C and C++ developers.
  • It simplifies the process of managing external libraries and dependencies for your projects.

2. Installing Conan 2.0:

  • Begin by installing Conan using pip. Run the following command in your terminal:
    pip install Conan
    
  • Verify the installation by checking the version of Conan:
    conan --version
    

3. Creating a Project with Conan:

  • Set up a new project in Visual Studio Code or your preferred IDE.
  • Create a basic C++ file (e.g., main.cpp) with some code (e.g., a "Hello World" program).

4. Integrating Conan Dependencies:

  • Use Conan to install required dependencies. For example, to install the library fmt, run:
    conan install fmt
    
  • Ensure that the dependencies are integrated into your project by using a generator like premake.

5. Configuring Build Types:

  • Specify the build type (debug or release) when setting up Conan dependencies. This ensures that the correct configurations are used.

6. Adding New Dependencies:

  • To add a new library like lz4 for compression, search for it on Conan Center and install it using Conan.
  • Integrate the new library into your project by including it in your source code and configuring the build settings.

7. Testing the Project:

  • Run your project to ensure that the new dependencies are working correctly.
  • Verify that the compression functionality from lz4 is functioning as expected.

8. Optimizing Development with Conan:

  • Utilize the power of Conan to streamline the management of external libraries and dependencies in your C and C++ projects.
  • Keep your dependencies organized and easily accessible by using Conan's features for package management.

By following these steps, you can effectively leverage Conan 2.0 as a package manager to enhance your C and C++ development workflow. Happy coding!