cmake/Help/command/add_subdirectory.rst

add_subdirectory
----------------

Add a subdirectory to the build.

.. code-block:: cmake

  add_subdirectory(source_dir [binary_dir] [EXCLUDE_FROM_ALL] [SYSTEM])

Adds a subdirectory to the build.  The ``source_dir`` specifies the
directory in which the source ``CMakeLists.txt`` and code files are
located.  If it is a relative path, it will be evaluated with respect
to the current directory (the typical usage), but it may also be an
absolute path.  The ``binary_dir`` specifies the directory in which to
place the output files.  If it is a relative path, it will be evaluated
with respect to the current output directory, but it may also be an
absolute path.  If ``binary_dir`` is not specified, the value of
``source_dir``, before expanding any relative path, will be used (the
typical usage).  The ``CMakeLists.txt`` file in the specified source
directory will be processed immediately by CMake before processing in
the current input file continues beyond this command.

If the ``EXCLUDE_FROM_ALL`` argument is provided then the
:prop_dir:`EXCLUDE_FROM_ALL` property will be set on the added directory.
This will exclude the directory from a default build. See the directory
property :prop_dir:`EXCLUDE_FROM_ALL` for full details.

.. versionadded:: 3.25
  If the ``SYSTEM`` argument is provided, the :prop_dir:`SYSTEM` directory
  property of the subdirectory will be set to true.  This property is
  used to initialize the :prop_tgt:`SYSTEM` property of each non-imported
  target created in that subdirectory.