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Asked: 2025-02-16T20:14:17+05:30

Why does static linking in CMake still require a DLL file for raylib when using the .lib file?

I’m diving into a project using CMake to link the raylib library for a little game I’m working on, but I’m hitting a bit of a wall that I can’t seem to get past. I’ve set up my CMake configuration, and based on what I’ve read, it looks simple enough. However, when I built my project and tried to run the generated executable, I got this annoying error saying “raylib.dll was not found.”

Here’s what my CMake setup looks like:

“`cmake
cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.30)
project(HelloRaylib)
add_executable(HelloRaylib main.cpp)
include_directories(“path/to/raylib”)
target_link_libraries(HelloRaylib “path/to/raylib/raylib.lib”)
“`

From what I understand, using the `.lib` file should mean that I’m statically linking everything, right? So why am I still being prompted for a DLL? I thought static linking would eliminate the need for any DLL files, and to be honest, I didn’t plan on having to mess around with distributing DLLs alongside my executable.

I did some searching and found out that sometimes `.lib` files are just import libraries that reference the DLLs, meaning they don’t contain the actual code you need in the executable itself. But that feels a bit counterintuitive, especially when I’m trying to leverage the benefits of static linking. Am I missing something here? Shouldn’t my include and link commands handle everything I need?

I’ve looked into other ways to package raylib, but I’d really prefer to stick with this setup if possible. Is there a specific step or detail in my CMake setup that I might be overlooking? Or is it just the nature of how raylib provides its files? I’m kind of at a loss here, and I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences you all might have had with similar issues!

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    2 Answers

    1. Raylib and CMake Mystery

      It sounds like you’re running into a common issue! When you link against raylib using the `.lib` file, you’re likely using a dynamic link library (DLL), which means your application still depends on the `raylib.dll` to run.

      The `.lib` file in your setup is probably just an import library that tells the linker how to connect to the functions in the DLL at runtime, rather than a static library that includes all the code directly in your executable.

      Understanding the Linking

      If you want to fully statically link raylib and avoid the DLL requirement, you need a different version of the library, typically a static library file, which usually has a `.a` or a `.lib` extension but is built as a static archive. You can check if raylib offers a static version; if so, it will usually be compiled with certain flags.

      Steps to Resolve

      1. Check if there’s a static version of raylib available. Look for `raylib.a` or a similar file. Ensure that you also have the corresponding header files available.

      2. If you find a static version, update your CMake to link against this new library. Modify the line like this:

        target_link_libraries(HelloRaylib "path/to/raylib/raylib.a")

      3. After making these changes, clean and rebuild your project to ensure everything links correctly.

      Final Thoughts

      Yes, it’s a bit confusing because not all `.lib` files mean static linkage. It’s definitely a common hurdle for new developers. If you really can’t find a static version and want to avoid dealing with DLLs, you might consider compiling raylib from source yourself while enabling static linking. Best of luck with your game!

    2. The issue you’re encountering with raylib and the “raylib.dll was not found” error is indeed a common source of confusion, especially when dealing with CMake and linking libraries. It seems like you’re primarily linking against the `raylib.lib` file, which, as you suspected, is likely to be an import library. This kind of library does not contain the actual implementation of the functions; instead, it allows your executable to dynamically link against the corresponding `raylib.dll` at runtime. To achieve static linking and avoid the need for the DLL, you need to ensure that you’re actually linking against a static version of raylib, typically named `raylib.a` or something similar, depending on how raylib is set up on your system. You should check the raylib installation to ensure you have a static library available; if not, you might need to build raylib from source with static linking enabled.

      Additionally, if your CMake setup is correct and you’re still facing issues, consider adjusting your `CMakeLists.txt` to explicitly specify the static library to link against. Here’s an updated version of your CMake configuration where static linking could potentially be enforced: 

          cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.30)
    project(HelloRaylib)
    add_executable(HelloRaylib main.cpp)
    include_directories("path/to/raylib")
    target_link_libraries(HelloRaylib raylib) # Ensure you're linking against static raylib

      Furthermore, you may want to check if raylib is built with the necessary flags for static linking. If you’ve made adjustments and are still encountering the same issues, remember that the target definition could impact the linkage, so ensure you’re not unintentionally linking to a dynamic version elsewhere in your project configuration. Building your application in a way that verifies static linking (like ensuring no `.dll` files are present during execution) is crucial for a smooth development process.