CMake 4.x Build And Dependency Management Issues Discussion

Jul 25, 2025 by Sharif Sakr 60 views

CMake 4.x Build Issues and Dependency Management

Hey everyone! 👋 I recently ran into some snags while building Palace with CMake 4.0, and I wanted to share the issues I encountered with some dependencies. It seems like there's a bit of a bumpy road with CMake 4.0, but let's dive into the specifics so we can all learn from this.

ScaLAPACK Error

One of the main errors I stumbled upon was within ScaLAPACK. After digging around, it looks like it's related to this issue on GitHub. The error log shows a failure during the configuration phase, specifically with the cmake_minimum_required function. This function is crucial because it sets the minimum CMake version required for the project. The error message indicates that compatibility with CMake versions older than 3.5 has been removed. To fix this, the VERSION argument needs to be updated, or a minimum-maximum syntax should be used to specify the CMake version compatibility. Alternatively, you could try adding -DCMAKE_POLICY_VERSION_MINIMUM=3.5 to the CMake configuration command. This error can halt the entire build process, making it a critical issue to address.

-- Performing Test COMPILER_SUPPORT_Wshadow - Success
-- Performing Test COMPILER_SUPPORT_Wnopsabi
-- Reducing RELEASE optimization level to O2
-- =========
-- Compiling and Building BLACS INSTALL Testing to set correct variables
--  Build Output:
 -- Configuring incomplete, errors occurred!

--  Error Output:
 CMake Error at CMakeLists.txt:1 (cmake_minimum_required):
  Compatibility with CMake < 3.5 has been removed from CMake.

  Update the VERSION argument <min> value.  Or, use the <min>...<max> syntax
  to tell CMake that the project requires at least <min> but has been updated
  to work with policies introduced by <max> or earlier.

  Or, add -DCMAKE_POLICY_VERSION_MINIMUM=3.5 to try configuring anyway.


CMake Error at CMAKE/FortranMangling.cmake:33 (MESSAGE):
   Configure in the BLACS INSTALL directory FAILED
Call Stack (most recent call first):
  CMakeLists.txt:133 (COMPILE)

gmake[2]: *** [extern/CMakeFiles/scalapack.dir/build.make:93: extern/scalapack-cmake/src/scalapack-stamp/scalapack-configure] Error 1
gmake[1]: *** [CMakeFiles/Makefile2:502: extern/CMakeFiles/scalapack.dir/all] Error 2
gmake[1]: *** Waiting for unfinished jobs....

This ScaLAPACK error highlights the importance of maintaining compatibility between CMake versions and the build scripts of the dependencies. It's a reminder that when upgrading CMake, it's crucial to check for potential compatibility issues with the project's dependencies and to address them promptly to ensure a smooth build process. Failing to do so can lead to build failures and significant delays in development.

Deprecation Warnings in Other Packages

Besides the ScaLAPACK error, I also noticed several deprecation warnings while configuring other packages like arpack-ng, eigen, parmetis, and metis. These warnings, while not as critical as the ScaLAPACK error, indicate potential issues down the line as CMake evolves. These warnings typically arise because the cmake_minimum_required function in the respective CMakeLists.txt files specifies a CMake version older than 3.10.

arpack-ng

For arpack-ng, the warning suggests updating the VERSION argument in the cmake_minimum_required function. This involves changing the specified CMake version to a more recent one or using the <min>...<max> syntax to indicate a range of compatible versions. Ignoring these warnings might lead to build failures in future CMake versions, so it's best to address them proactively. The arpack-ng library is crucial for large-scale eigenvalue problems, and ensuring its compatibility with modern CMake versions is essential for projects relying on its functionality. Updating the CMake version requirements ensures that arpack-ng can leverage newer CMake features and improvements, leading to a more robust and maintainable build process.

[ 27%] Performing configure step for 'arpack-ng'
CMake Deprecation Warning at CMakeLists.txt:1 (cmake_minimum_required):
  Compatibility with CMake < 3.10 will be removed from a future version of
  CMake.

  Update the VERSION argument <min> value.  Or, use the <min>...<max> syntax
  to tell CMake that the project requires at least <min> but has been updated
  to work with policies introduced by <max> or earlier.


-- The C compiler identification is GNU 14.3.0

eigen

The eigen library, known for its efficient C++ template library for linear algebra, also showed a similar deprecation warning. This warning, like the one in arpack-ng, advises updating the cmake_minimum_required version. The eigen library is a fundamental dependency for many scientific computing projects, and keeping it up-to-date with CMake's requirements is vital. By addressing this warning, developers can ensure that eigen continues to build correctly and can take advantage of the latest CMake features. This proactive approach helps maintain the stability and performance of applications that depend on eigen for linear algebra operations. The warning message clearly indicates the need to update the CMake version specification to avoid potential issues in the future.

[ 31%] Performing configure step for 'eigen'
-- Installing: /apps/palace/develop-x86_64/include/gklib_rename.h
-- Installing: /apps/palace/develop-x86_64/include/fmt/std.h
CMake Deprecation Warning at CMakeLists.txt:2 (cmake_minimum_required):
  Compatibility with CMake < 3.10 will be removed from a future version of
  CMake.

  Update the VERSION argument <min> value.  Or, use the <min>...<max> syntax
  to tell CMake that the project requires at least <min> but has been updated
  to work with policies introduced by <max> or earlier.


-- Installing: /apps/palace/develop-x86_64/include/fmt/xchar.h

parmetis and metis

Both parmetis and metis, which are crucial libraries for graph partitioning, also exhibited the same deprecation warning. These warnings underscore a consistent theme: the need to align CMake version requirements across all dependencies. The parmetis library, used for parallel graph partitioning, and metis, its sequential counterpart, are essential for applications involving large-scale graph computations. Ensuring these libraries remain compatible with the latest CMake features is crucial for maintaining the performance and scalability of such applications. Addressing the deprecation warnings in parmetis and metis not only prevents potential build issues but also ensures that these libraries can leverage the advancements in CMake to optimize the build process. This proactive maintenance is key to the long-term health and efficiency of projects that rely on graph partitioning.

[ 37%] Performing configure step for 'parmetis'
CMake Deprecation Warning at CMakeLists.txt:1 (cmake_minimum_required):
  Compatibility with CMake < 3.10 will be removed from a future version of
  CMake.

  Update the VERSION argument <min> value.  Or, use the <min>...<max> syntax
  to tell CMake that the project requires at least <min> but has been updated
  to work with policies introduced by <max> or earlier.

[ 23%] Performing configure step for 'metis'
-- Installing: /apps/palace/develop-x86_64/include/nlohmann/detail/meta/identity_tag.hpp
CMake Deprecation Warning at CMakeLists.txt:1 (cmake_minimum_required):
  Compatibility with CMake < 3.10 will be removed from a future version of
  CMake.

  Update the VERSION argument <min> value.  Or, use the <min>...<max> syntax
  to tell CMake that the project requires at least <min> but has been updated
  to work with policies introduced by <max> or earlier.

Importance of Addressing Warnings

While these warnings might seem minor, they are crucial indicators of potential future issues. CMake's deprecation policy means that features and functionalities compatible with older versions might be removed in future releases. By addressing these warnings now, we can ensure smoother transitions and avoid potential build failures down the line. It's like taking care of small cracks in a foundation before they turn into major structural problems. Regularly reviewing and addressing these warnings is a best practice for maintaining a healthy and up-to-date build system. This proactive approach not only prevents build failures but also ensures that the project can leverage the latest features and improvements in CMake, leading to a more efficient and maintainable codebase.

Decoding the Logs

The logs from CMake can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, right? 😅 It took me a while to sift through everything and pinpoint the exact packages with warnings and errors. The key is to look for lines that start with "CMake Deprecation Warning" or "CMake Error." These lines usually provide the most critical information about what went wrong and where. Also, paying attention to the package names in the log output helps in identifying which dependencies are causing issues. For example, in the logs provided, the package names like 'arpack-ng', 'eigen', 'parmetis', and 'metis' are clearly mentioned alongside the warning messages. This makes it easier to track down the specific dependencies that need attention. Debugging CMake builds often involves a combination of careful log analysis and understanding the underlying project structure.

Next Steps and Solutions

So, what's the game plan? For the ScaLAPACK error, the immediate action is to either update the cmake_minimum_required version in the BLACS CMakeLists.txt or add the -DCMAKE_POLICY_VERSION_MINIMUM=3.5 flag during configuration. For the deprecation warnings in the other packages, the fix is similar: update the minimum CMake version requirement in their respective CMakeLists.txt files. This might involve checking the documentation or contacting the maintainers of these packages to ensure compatibility with newer CMake versions. Another strategy is to use the <min>...<max> syntax for the CMake version, which allows specifying a range of compatible versions. This approach can provide more flexibility and reduce the need for frequent updates. It's also a good idea to test the build with different CMake versions to ensure that the changes haven't introduced any unintended side effects. Regular testing and validation are crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable build process.

Final Thoughts

Building with CMake 4.x can present some challenges, especially when dealing with dependencies that haven't been updated to the latest standards. However, by understanding the errors and warnings, and taking proactive steps to address them, we can ensure a smoother build process. I hope sharing my experience helps you guys navigate similar issues! Let's keep each other posted on any other CMake adventures we encounter! 😉