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How to Change File Timestamp From Cmake?

4 minutes read

To change the timestamp of a file from CMake, you can use the "file(TOUCH )" command. This command will update the timestamp of the specified file to the current time. You can use this command in your CMakeLists.txt file to update the timestamp of any file as needed during the build process. By doing so, you can ensure that the file will be considered as newer than any dependent files or targets, forcing them to be rebuilt when necessary.


How to troubleshoot timestamp-related issues in cmake projects?

Timestamp-related issues in CMake projects can sometimes be tricky to troubleshoot, but there are a few steps you can take to pinpoint and resolve the problem:

  1. Check the timestamps of your source files: Make sure that the timestamps of your source files are correct and up-to-date. If the timestamps are incorrect, it may be causing CMake to build unnecessary targets.
  2. Check the timestamps of your build files: Similarly, check the timestamps of the build files that CMake generates. If the timestamps are not being updated correctly, it could be causing CMake to skip rebuilding targets when it should not.
  3. Clean and rebuild: Sometimes, simply cleaning your build directory and rebuilding your project can resolve timestamp-related issues. This will ensure that all files are rebuilt from scratch and that timestamps are correctly updated.
  4. Use the --debug-output option: Running CMake with the --debug-output option can provide more detailed information about how timestamps are being handled during the build process. Look for any errors or inconsistencies in the output that could be causing the issue.
  5. Check for file system issues: In some cases, issues with the file system itself can cause timestamp-related problems. Check for any file system errors or restrictions that could be affecting how timestamps are being handled.
  6. Update CMake: Make sure that you are using the latest version of CMake, as newer versions may have bug fixes or improvements related to timestamp handling.
  7. Consult the CMake documentation or community forums: If you are still unable to resolve the timestamp-related issue, consider consulting the CMake documentation or reaching out to the CMake community for help. Other users may have encountered similar issues and can provide guidance on how to address them.


How to change a file's timestamp based on another file's timestamp in cmake?

In CMake, you can use the file(TIMESTAMP) command to retrieve the timestamp of a file. You can then use the file(TOUCH) command to change the timestamp of another file to match the timestamp of the first file. Here's an example of how you can do this in a CMake script:

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# Get the timestamp of the source file
file(TIMESTAMP source_file_timestamp "${SOURCE_FILE}")

# Change the timestamp of the target file to match the source file
file(TOUCH "${TARGET_FILE}" "${source_file_timestamp}")


In this example, ${SOURCE_FILE} is the path to the file whose timestamp you want to use, and ${TARGET_FILE} is the path to the file whose timestamp you want to change. The file(TIMESTAMP) command is used to get the timestamp of the source file, and then the file(TOUCH) command is used to set the timestamp of the target file to match the timestamp of the source file.


How to handle file timestamps across different platforms in cmake?

When dealing with file timestamps across different platforms in CMake, it is important to consider the varying behavior and capabilities of each platform. Here are some recommendations for how to handle file timestamps effectively:

  1. Use the CMake file(TIMESTAMP) command to retrieve the timestamp of a file. This command allows you to get the last modification time of a file in a consistent way across different platforms.
  2. Consider using the ${CMAKE_COMMAND} variable to run commands that retrieve file timestamps in a platform-independent manner. For example, you can use the ${CMAKE_COMMAND} variable to execute shell commands, PowerShell commands, or other platform-specific commands to retrieve file timestamps.
  3. Avoid relying on platform-specific commands or tools to handle file timestamps, as this can lead to inconsistencies and portability issues. Stick to CMake commands and variables that provide a consistent interface for managing file timestamps.
  4. Keep in mind that file timestamps can be affected by factors such as file system differences, time zone settings, and daylight saving time changes. Be aware of these potential issues when comparing or manipulating file timestamps across different platforms.


By following these recommendations and using CMake's built-in commands and variables effectively, you can handle file timestamps across different platforms in a consistent and reliable manner.

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