## libderp, yet another C collection library

Why you might use it

* builds with Meson, any C99 compiler
* a proper library that you can link against
* no abuse of translation units, no weird macros
* includes proper man pages (TODO)
* shared and static library
* pkg-config interface
* developer friendly ISC license

Why you might avoid it

* containers use void pointers, e.g. no vector of ints
* pedestrian algorithms, not cutting edge
* not (yet) thread safe

## Installation Methods

This project supports two installation methods, each designed for different use cases:

### 1. Development/Versioned Install (`dev` mode)

- **Purpose:**
  - For developers and packagers who want to install headers, static/shared libraries, and pkg-config files in a versioned, self-contained directory.
  - Allows multiple versions to coexist without interfering with system libraries or headers.
- **What gets installed:**
  - Headers, static and shared libraries, and pkg-config files, all under a versioned root (e.g., `/usr/local/libderp-dev.1.1.1/`).
- **How to use:**
  ```sh
  meson setup build-dev -Dinstall_mode=dev
  ninja -C build-dev
  meson install -C build-dev
  ```
- **Result:**
  - All development artifacts are grouped under the versioned root.
  - No files are installed to global system locations.

### 2. System Install (`system` mode)

- **Purpose:**
  - For system administrators or users who want to install only the shared library for runtime use, with robust versioned symlinks for compatibility.
  - Does **not** install headers or pkg-config files.
  - Supports multiple major versions side-by-side, with symlinks for all minor versions.
- **What gets installed:**
  - Only the shared library, to the system libdir (e.g., `/usr/local/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/`), with symlinks for all minor versions (e.g., `libderp.so.1.0`, `libderp.so.1.1`).
- **How to use:**
  ```sh
  meson setup build-system -Dinstall_mode=system
  ninja -C build-system
  # For a real install (to /usr/local), run:
  sudo meson install -C build-system
  # For a safe test install, use:
  DESTDIR=/tmp/libderp-test meson install -C build-system
  ```
- **Result:**
  - Only the shared library and symlinks are installed to the system libdir.
  - No headers or pkg-config files are installed.
  - Symlinks for all minor versions are created, supporting robust runtime linking and upgrades.

---

**Which should you use?**
- Use **dev mode** if you are developing, packaging, or need to link against libderp in your own projects.
- Use **system mode** if you only need the runtime shared library for system-wide use, or want to support robust upgrades and multiple major versions.

See the [Portable best practices article](https://begriffs.com/posts/2021-07-04-shared-libraries.html) for more background on these installation strategies.